Monday Morning Duke's Mixture: Alinea, CSA's, and Whole Foods

Ah, the sun! This little break in the weather has been just enough to get me going again. First good run of the spring yesterday and I thought I was going to die! Too much duck confit! And with Valentine's Day right around the corner! While I scare up some posts to feed the masses, here are a few Monday morning tidbits to hold you over:

** Blogger Carol Blymire is still working her way through the Alinea cookbook with Alinea at Home. It's a fascinating read (Cranberry -- Frozen and Chewy) even if you're not following along on page 43.

** Going Green Mama has a list of all the CSAs in the central Indiana area. Some are hit or miss but unfortunately, she took her reviews down. CSAs are a good way to get started with local, fresh vegetables if you're not growing your own.

**The Whole Foods/Wild Oats merger is still in dispute -- and the FTC has asked for another 30 days to help spur "settlement" talks says Natural-Specialty Foods Memo.

Clean Out the Refrigerator Friday

It's the end of the week bits and pieces, the stuff that will get pitched if you don't take it home, the leftovers you really should eat because money doesn't grow on trees, you know.

*NRN's Bret Thorn is a Dr. Horrible fan! Who knew? Long live the Evil League of Evil ! [Food Writer's Diary]

*An inside-the-industry perspective on the Bennigan's/Steak-and-Ale bankruptcy. Bottom line: New innovators roar past old innovators. [The Scoop]

*FTC kicks the Wild Oats/Whole Foods merger down to a lower court for review -- again. [Natural-Specialty Foods Memo]

*Looks like the dogs are already lining up for a legislative dog fight next year over Sunday alcohol sales in Indiana. The players? Two big lobbyists with lots of big clients. (No surprises, there.) [WineCanine]

Whole Foods: It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over

In a completely strange and unprecedented move, the FTC filed yesterday to appeal a Federal judge's approval of the Wild Oats/Whole Foods merger -- a deal that closed *last year*. From the Houston Chronicle:

The Federal Trade Commission tried to block Whole Foods' acquisition of Boulder, Colo.-based Wild Oats after the transaction was announced last February, arguing that it would stifle competition and harm consumers.

But a federal judge rejected the agency's request in August and Whole Foods and Wild Oats closed the deal later that month. Antitrust regulators usually throw in the towel after the courts allow a deal to go forward, because acquisitions can be difficult to unwind.

In this case, however, the FTC is continuing the fight. The agency argues that the companies haven't yet finished combining their operations and Whole Foods hasn't closed all the Wild Oats stores it plans to close. The entire process could take up to two years, the agency said in court papers, which cited recent Whole Foods filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Whole Foods has sold 35 Wild Oats stores and closed 12, leaving 62 stores in operation, according to its first quarter earnings release in February. The company also said it reduced the number of employees at Wild Oats headquarters from 87 to 56.

Of course, Whole Foods executives still feel they're giving customers the best they have to offer both at new stores and former Wild Oats locations. I -- as a customer -- disagree. Making me laugh most at the quote from Whole Foods' spokesperson: "Our customers have enjoyed nothing but benefits since the two operations have joined together," she said. Ahahahahaha! (via Gut Check)

Whole Foods Bait and Switch

I spent a good deal of yesterday looking for items and ingredients all over town that I just couldn't find and it was frustrating. After several fruitless stops, I swung into Wild Oats to pick up some simple items which, of course, they didn't have. I appreciate that Wild Oats is a bastion of all natural, organic *stuff* but it irks me that I can't get a broader range of basics or gourmet tidbits there. I have accepted for a long time that Wild Oats is not a one-stop-shop, but it's especially frustrating when I can't even find the specialty items I'd expect them to have.

What really irks me is that their assimilation to becoming a very low level Whole Foods is almost complete and reports are there are no planned inventory changes to go along with the shiny new systems and signage. After a few years of operating the Wild Oats chain separately, Whole Foods as a corporation is, of course, folding the natural/organic chain into the rest of their business. But new grocery bags do not a Whole Foods make. Repeated inquiries to a variety of employees yield that they are not changing the inventory substantially at this particular store and will not be significantly expanding. So, the wide assortment of high end gourmet products, name brand basics, and huge natural/organic selection one can find at a Whole Foods market? Forget it. Next month, the Wild Oats sign will come down (reportedly) to be replaced by the Whole Foods moniker but it will still be the same crappy grocery store -- and decidedly *not* a Whole Foods. (Although, Wild Oats is living up to one part of the Whole Foods legacy -- the high prices and "Whole Paycheck" reputation.)

What about the *real* Whole Foods scheduled to open in Indianapolis later this year or early next? Don't hold your breath. As development deals change, scale back, and even fall through, it's safe to say the Whole Foods project on 86th street is in limbo. (Search on "Whole Foods" for the complete picture.)

For any of you who have ever patronized a Whole Foods on a regular basis, you'll understand my frustration. And sadly, I fear that too many people will see the sign and think "What's the big deal about a Whole Foods. Is this it?" Just know that while the sign may say "Whole Foods" soon at Wild Oats, it's a rotten bait and switch. We want our *real* Whole Foods.

More on Whole Foods and Wild Oats

From our pals over at Natural-Specialty Food Memo, here's a little more info on Whole Foods' US expansion plans as well as what they might be looking at for the Wild Oats stores in the future. One has to assume that our Indianapolis store is in the 29-30 new stores planned for 2009. (I'm not sure there's any way they can make 2008 unless I'm totally wrong about where this store is planned to go at this point.) From Natural-Specialty Food Memo's post:

The 29-30 new stores will all likely be no smaller than 45,000 square feet (except in special cases like urban neighborhoods where there are geographical limitations of course) and as big as 80,000 square feet. The new stores also will be located both in regions like Texas and the west and east coasts, where Whole Foods' already has a substantial number of stores, and in new areas of the U.S. where the grocer has little or no current retail presence.

Whole Foods also is set to open its Whole Foods Express small-format, convenience-oriented prototype store in a renovated former Wild Oats market building in Boulder, Colorado later this year. If that test--and format--proves successful, we could see the supernatural grocer join the growing small-format grocery store revolution in the U.S. with additional Express stores in other parts of the country perhaps even beginning next year.

From what we've been able to learn thus far, the Whole Foods Express format will be about 15,000 square feet -to- 20,000 square feet in size. It will feature a limited selection of natural and organic grocery products, fresh produce and meats and other perishables.

A key feature of the Express store will be an extensive selection of natural, organic, healthy and tasty ready-to-eat and ready-to heat prepared foods. We also expect to see some sort of an in store cafe in the Express store, as well as a small version of a Whole Foods-style in-store Bistro food service venue.

Whither Whole Foods?

Over at Property Lines, Cory reports problems with the Venu development currently slated for the south west corner of the Keystone/86th St. intersection. I'll double check with him tomorrow, but as far as I know, that development also includes the planned Whole Foods grocery -- moved from the planned Kite development across the street. It's not looking good.

Whole Foods, Blue Coats, and a Weekend Roundup

Whole Foods Crosses Street: Are you confused yet? Well, you should be with all the development hopping happening up at 86th and Keystone. The IBJ reports this weekend that the Whole Foods originally planned for the development at the NW corner of 86th and Keystone is *now* planned for the new Venu development across the street in the SW corner of the 86th/Keystone intersection. Developers say making the NW corner development all residential silences neighborhood critics and they'll build a pedestrian bridge over 86th street. The important news for us foodies? Whole Foods says they are happily preparing for the new location -- and the lease they had signed with Kite for the NW corner was part of the sale and will move to the new SW Venu mall location. No ETA yet on opening. Lots of terms to still be worked out.

The Next Iron Chef: If you've been following the Next Iron Chef on The Food Network, the next new episode is tonight. They're down the last few chefs including Cleveland's Michael Symon (of Lola fame.) Ruhlman is a judge and has been blogging pretty regularly on each episode (and dishing on his fellow judges, especially Knowlton). And regardless of what host Alton Brown says about how much more serious this cooking competition is than, say, Top Chef, it owes an homage to that innovative show. In fact, you'll recognize some eerily similar challenges. The biggest differences? The cheftestants are established professionals (as well they should be as they vie for an Iron Chef spot), they have a judge from Bon Appetit instead of Food and Wine, and, well, Alton Brown is seriously more annoying than Padma. Airs on Food Network, 9:00 p.m.

The Shops at Snips: Jason over at Four Square No. 266 covers the Shops at Snips in Irvington including the neighborhood organic market -- Edibles, Cuppatea, and Jockamo's Upper Crust Pizza. I haven't tried Jockomo's but asked around. It gets mixed reviews, but, if you live in the neighborhood, you should check it out. (Pizza is very personal -- one man's soggy crust is another man's perfect pie.) Edibles seems to be the local connection for tidbits like Trader's Point, fresh meats, cheeses, and produce.

Blue Coats Take Over: Last week, you may have noticed a few tidy young people in spiffy blue jackets. I love the diversity of our downtown events. During large, high profile events (like the NFL combine or certain high equipment trade shows) you can't get a seat in a steakhouse downtown, but during "blue coat" week, you can't get a seat at Steak and Shake or PF Chang's. It's still all good news for downtown restaurants. People keep the wheels of commerce turning!

Sold Out: We hit our reservations cap for the iMOCA/L'explorateur wine dinner last Thursday evening. Looking forward to seeing folks there -- and meeting old and new friends alike! Look for pointers to the photos of the dishes and art next week along with the menu and wine list.

Whole Foods Merger, D'Vine Moves, and More

D'Vine Moving to Cibo Space: The big announcement this week was the new development that will go in at Woodfield Crossing on the southwest corner of the 86th and Keystone intersection. And the question quite a few of you have asked me? What will happen to D'Vine, A Wine Bar? The popular spot is one of several thriving businesses at Woodfield Crossing, but it sounds like a fine solution has been worked out. Cory Shouten at IBJ is reporting D'Vine will move to the Cibo Italian Restaurant space below Gelo (nee Vapour Lounge) and next to Houseworks. They've already begun the buildout (although word hasn't filtered out yet that Cibo is even closed.) Look for them to move in the next couple of months. In the meantime, Cory reports D'Vine may also be looking to open a downtown Carmel location.

FTC Puts Breaks on Wild Oats/Whole Foods Merger: And via Slashfood comes the news that the FTC has concerns about competition in the merger of Whole Foods and Wild Oats markets. The FTC is filing a legal complaint to stop the merger today. From the NY Times:

The director of the F.T.C.’s Bureau of Competition, Jeffrey Schmidt, said in a statement: “Whole Foods and Wild Oats are each other’s closest competitors in premium natural and organic supermarkets, and are engaged in intense head-to-head competition in markets across the country. If Whole Foods is allowed to devour Wild Oats, it will mean higher prices, reduced quality and fewer choices for consumers.”

I've heard they've broken ground on the Indy Whole Foods (and most likely the entire complex) but I haven't seen this myself yet. And I hear (via a robust but unconfirmed rumor mill) that Bloomington is getting a Whole Foods also. Many people have asked me if the Wild Oats/Whole Foods merger will put the breaks on our own Whole Foods (currently scheduled to open on 86th at Keystone) because of a Wild Oats down the street, but there's no reason to believe that would be case -- especially now.

Taste of Tango: Someone posted in the comments section that a work permit has gone up across the street from Morton's for a new place called Taste of Tango. (Posted here in May) Taste of Tango is scheduled to be an Argentinian place opened by a "former real-estate broker." (Not sure if he's a true first timer in the restaurant business.) He says the food will be a mix of Italian, Greek, and Spanish. (That's not exactly what I thought Argentinian food was, but OK.) With heavy renovations and an ambitious schedule, I'm not sure I'm holding out a lot of hope. We'll have to wait and see. Their original open date was end of July. (Originally from Property Lines.)

Greenwood Park Mall Gets Cheesecake Factory: There's not much more to say here. Cheesecake Factory and their obscenely huge portions will open a second Indianapolis restaurant in Greenwood. (Sure, I'm a little partial to the Baja Chicken Tacos myself, but unlike many of their customers, I also recognize it's enough food for two full meals.)

Whole Foods to Buy Wild Oats

It's not surprising that we're starting to see consolidations in the organic grocery store business. Texas-based Whole Foods is buying Boulder-based Wild Oats grocery chain. Sales are down for both chains as they feel the heat from competition like Trader Joe's. Locally, Wild Oats in NORA has been feeling a little crunch from Sunflower Market in Broad Ripple.

Currently, there are two Wild Oats stores are open in Indianapolis and Carmel with a high-end Whole Foods in Fall 2008. What does this mean to us? Probably nothing until Whole Foods opens, but then, possibly some consolidation and a wider selection of food products in both stores. More from Bloomberg.

Whole Foods Moves Forward; Association Drops Appeal

The IBJ reported yesterday in its real estate newsletter that the Driftwood Hills Neighborhood Association has decided not to appeal the recent court ruling that opened the doors to a Whole Foods at 86th and Keystone. The Whole Foods will be part of a condo development on the site at the northwest corner of the intersection of Keystone and 86th.

From the IBJ:

Residents of Driftwood Hills argued in a lawsuit filed nearly a year ago that the Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission and the City-County Council violated state law by approving rezoning for the project, which is being developed by Paul Kite of Zionsville-based PK Capital LLC.

But Marion Superior Court Judge Gary Miller ruled two months ago that the governmental bodies were well within their authority in approving the rezoning. An agreement between the parties, announced Jan. 26, gives the association input into final plans, which PK Capital has revamped several times in hopes of winning over neighbors.

Whole Foods: Woo-hoo!

And finally, after all the speculation, word from Whole Foods themselves that they will build at 86th and Keystone. More to come but this from the IBJ:

Whole Foods Market today said it will build a 60,000-square-foot grocery at 86th Street and Keystone Avenue. The announcement follows a ruling last week by a Marion County judge upholding zoning for the project.

Residents of Driftwood Hills Neighborhood argued in a lawsuit filed in February that the Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission and the City-County Council violated state law when they approved rezoning for the project. But in his ruling, Marion Superior Court Judge Gary Miller wrote that the governmental bodies were well within their authority in giving their OK.

"There is evidence in the record indicating the proposed development will provide benefits to the public in terms of ... additional employment, an increased tax base and upscale diversity and selection to the local grocery market," the judge wrote.

Developer Paul Kite, of Zionsville-based PK Capital LLC, revamped the project several times in hopes of winning over neighbors. The revisions reduced the number of condos planned for the mixed-use project to 31. The grocery will be the first in the state for Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods. It operates more than 185 stores and has annual revenue topping $4.7 billion.