Whole Foods: Gowanus Gets a Crash Course in the New One-Stop Shopping

By Kristin Iversen

Photo by Austin McAllister

No. 5

Whole Foods

Gowanus Gets a Crash Course in the New One-Stop Shopping

It might seem a little strange that a borough full of some of the most worldly and jaded people on the planet could possibly get so worked up over the opening of a grocery store. But that’s exactly what happened when the Whole Foods in Gowanus opened up in December. The aisles were mobbed, both with customers who were super-excited to have a full-service grocery store in that part of Brooklyn and with those who were super-excited to mock the pseudo-suburban atmosphere and outrageous prices on twee items like Whole Foods-branded fanny packs or whatever.

Now that the commotion has settled down, can we all just agree that, while undoubtedly expensive, the new Whole Foods just so happens to be a really good grocery store that’s committed to sustainability (there’s a working farm on the roof!) and showcasing locally made products? Plus, there’s even a bunch of stuff that’s only available at the Gowanus Whole Foods. Here’s a look at our favorites, all of them either exclusive to Third and 3rd or made by small Brooklyn businesses. Or both!