Whole Foods Junior

Whole Foods Market targets millennials with new grocery store concept

Mark your calenders for Whole Foods Market.

Photo courtesy of Whole Foods

Millennials, look out: Whole Foods has its eyes on you. The Austin-based supermarket giant is launching a new, separate chain specifically tailored to meet the needs of that younger audience.

What that means: a more streamlined design, with an emphasis on technology, and lower prices in an effort to combat its pricey "Whole Paycheck" reputation. The company announced its plans during a quarterly financial report on May 6.

"Today, we are excited to announce the launch of a new, uniquely branded store concept unlike anything that currently exists in the marketplace," said co-chief executive officer Walter Robb. "Offering our industry-leading standards at value prices, this new format will feature a modern, streamlined design; innovative technology; and a curated selection.

"It will deliver a convenient, transparent and values-oriented experience geared toward millennial shoppers, while appealing to anyone looking for high-quality fresh food at great prices."

Robb said that the company is "building a team" to focus on this new concept and negotiating leases. No announcements were made on locations.

The plan is to begin opening stores in 2016, with a "rapid expansion" anticipated.

"We believe the growth potential for this new and complementary brand to be as great as it is for our highly successful Whole Foods Market brand," Robb added. "We look forward to sharing more details about this exciting new venture sometime before Labor Day."

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Mex-Mex News

Mexican restaurant Vidorra to bring queso and margaritas to Rockwall

Photo courtesy of Vidorra

Tuna at Vidorra.

A popular Dallas-based Mexican restaurant and bar chain is coming to Rockwall: Vidorra, first founded in Deep Ellum, will open a location at 2620 Sunset Rodge Harbor Heights on December 5, just in time for the holidays.

The restaurant is conveniently located off I-30, near the western shores of Lake Ray Hubbard and the popular harbor district, where it will serve authentic Mexican dishes with a modern twist.

That means creative margaritas and Vidorra's signature Queso Blanco served in a 400-degree molcajete bowl – a fan-favorite experience.

Other entrees include street tacos, birria tacos, and sizzling fajitas, plus a top-shelf margarita flight, fruit-infused cocktails, and large-format drinks perfect for sharing.

Vidorra is a part of Milkshake Concepts’ impressive portfolio of influential restaurants, which includes The Finch, Saaya, Harper’s, Serious Pizza, and Serious Eats.

Vidorra, which means “the good life,” has locations in Dallas, Grand Prairie, and Addison. This will the the fourth, notes Milkshake Concepts CEO Imran Sheikh in a statement.

“We want to reach every corner of DFW with ‘the good life,’” Sheikh says. “We’re thrilled with how enthusiastically Vidorra has been embraced by the communities in Dallas, Addison and Grand Prairie, and we can’t wait to begin serving new fans in Rockwall. There’s much more to come across North Texas and beyond – including Grapevine and Nashville, Tennessee which will open in 2025."

The 5400 square-foot Rockwall restaurant boasts traditional Mexican decor and a vibrant atmosphere, in line with the brand’s other locations. The immersive dining area and airy patio perched above Lake Ray Hubbard will be the ideal destination for family-friendly dining, festive happy hours and large gatherings of fun-loving friends and co-workers.

Happy hour runs from Monday-Friday from 3-6 pm, featuring half-off select apps, $4 select beers, $5 select wines and $6 Vidorritas (rocks or frozen). Guests can also enjoy extra specials on Margarita Mondays, with half-priced ritas all day, and Tacos & Tequila Tuesdays, which feature a shot of tequila and two street tacos for just $8 all day.

tex-mex openings