Mayor Addresses Rumors That Whole Foods Is Pulling Out Of Wayne

WAYNE, NJ — Don't worry residents, Whole Foods Market is still coming to town.

The highly-anticipated store is still being worked on and will open at the Valley Ridge Shopping Center on Valley Road where the old A&P supermarket used to be.

Mayor Chris Vergano addressed rumors swirling around town that Whole Foods was pulling out of its lease because of too much red tape associated with the project.

"Whoever it is in this community who is telling everyone that Whole Foods isn't coming, you are wrong," Vergano said at a council meeting Wednesday night.

Whole Foods representatives met with township Building Department staff Friday, Vergano said.

Whole Foods simply took a hiatus on the work, Vergano said.

"Please stop spreading this craziness," Vergano said.

Jamie Forrest, a Whole Foods Market spokesperson, said Feb. 25 that the company had "no additional information" to share about the store "at this time."

The store is one of the most anticipated projects to come to Wayne since Vergano announced the project on April 18, 2018. (See related: Whole Foods Opening In Wayne)

The Board of Adjustment issued a demolition permit and approved the construction plan the same month of Vergano's announcement.

The store will be bigger than initially anticipated. It will not only take over the former A&P it is replacing, but the former Subway restaurant next to it. (See related: Wayne Whole Foods Will Be Bigger Than Old A&P)

A Whole Foods spokesperson said in April that new store projects typically take a few years to develop as they "design each one to fit within its community." However, Township construction official Joe Albanese said in November that the store could potentially open this year. (See related: Wayne Whole Foods Store May Be 'Years' Away From Opening)

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com