Whole Foods Market in downtown Jacksonville this week received an official opening day announcement.
The major milestone for the city’s growing urban core will celebrate its grand opening May 21, according to a Thursday news release.
The grocery store will anchor the $250 million One Riverside development in the Brooklyn neighborhood, bringing a full-service, high-end grocer to an area that has long lacked walkable grocery options.
When will the Whole Foods in downtown Jacksonville open?
The downtown Jacksonville Whole Foods is expected to open May 21, despite earlier projections pointing to a September 2026 completion timeline.
The first 300 shoppers on opening day will receive a Whole Foods Market limited-edition tote bag and a Secret Saver card featuring offers up to $100 off.
Customers will also be able to enjoy samples from La Gringuita Gourmet Cookies and coffee from Bold Bean Coffee Roasters on opening morning.
Downtown Investment Authority initially labeled Sept. 30 as a broader retail completion goal, meaning the store will open months ahead of schedule.
Official job postings for the store are available now as well.
Why is the store opening ahead of schedule?
The shift from a fall timeline to a spring opening reflects accelerated construction and tenant build-out progress at One Riverside.
The store’s interior build-out permit was issued in 2025, and the broader development has rapidly filled with tenants, indicating strong leasing momentum.
Hiring activity has already begun as well, which typically occurs a few weeks out from opening.
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Where is the new Whole Foods located in Jacksonville?
The new store is located at 1 Riverside Ave. in the Brooklyn neighborhood of downtown’s northbank.
It sits within the One Riverside mixed-use development, positioned at the base of the Acosta Bridge along the St. Johns River and near Riverside Avenue and the Emerald Trail corridor.
What can shoppers expect from the new Whole Foods in downtown Jacksonville?
The store will span roughly 38,000 square feet and include full grocery departments, prepared foods and dine-in seating.
This will feature more than 800 local items from over 115 Florida-based suppliers as well.
Whole Foods Market said it also will provide a food donation to Gleaner’s Dispatch, a nonprofit organization which aims to enhance the ability of local food rescue organizations to transport surplus food to areas facing the greatest need.
What is One Riverside?
One Riverside is a major mixed-use redevelopment project transforming the former site of The Florida Times-Union into a dense urban hub.
The development includes hundreds of residential units, riverfront retail and restaurants, fitness and lifestyle tenants and structured parking.
The Whole Foods Market is the anchor tenant, meaning it’s expected to drive daily foot traffic and support surrounding businesses.
City leaders and developers see the project as a key step in revitalizing Downtown Jacksonville’s Brooklyn district and increasing residential density.
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What other businesses are coming to One Riverside?
Whole Foods won’t open alone. The surrounding retail spaces are filling with complementary tenants, including a boutique fitness studio, a specialty donut shop, a riverfront restaurant concept and wellness and beauty services.
The development is already fully leased, reinforcing expectations that the area will become a high-traffic destination once the grocery store opens.
How will this Whole Foods impact downtown Jacksonville?
The arrival of Whole Foods Market is widely viewed as a turning point for downtown living. It is part of a larger plan to improve livability, walkability and daily convenience in downtown while adding retail and dining options for revitalization efforts.
Downtown Jacksonville has struggled historically with grocery access, making this a critical piece of infrastructure for long-term residential growth.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Whole Foods in downtown will open May 21 after plans for fall opening