Jackson Jambalaya

Wife said she went but couldn't find a parking place. Will go later. I've been to the one in New Orleans and it was impressive.

Too expensive. SHITTY parking. Not local. Those buying craft beer there versus McDades or Hops & Habanas or other local outfits should be flogged.

Heard directly from very reliable source that Trustmark is pissed about the parking situation especially since they dropped a ton into that branch building.

WF has a proposal underway to tear down two houses on Kimwood across Old Canton from the east side of the store and build 84 additional parking spaces and gate Kimwood. There were neighborhood meetings last fall/winter, a vote to change neighborhood covenants and now headed to the City Council for their approval. Houses are owned by a large out-of-state company, developer that helps manage Highland Village/WF would buy them.

I'd heard about that plan. Supposedly one of those houses is in really bad shape and probably should come down. I remember the residents objecting to a dentist office going near that location. Will be interesting to see how this plays out if it does. Or is that a different plan I heard about?

Gating Kimwood the street? Ain't happening. Good luck in this climate getting shoppers to park there.

Sounds like more spot zoning.

So much for the hype that Whole Foods is going to lift property values. Put some parking lots there at the end of Kimwood and watch the value of the houses down the street tank. Standing on that corner next to those new parking lots will be a lucrative spot for the Exit 100 camo panhandlers. Good job!!!

Parking...huge problem, no question. Absurdly overpriced. I won't be a regular, if indeed I ever go again at all. Feh. It's just FOOD, for heaven's sake!

$12 for the same green tea that I buy at McDade's for about $4.

As for parking, it's no worse than Kroger on I-55, which is always a nightmare. Been several times and always get a spot within 5 minutes. But the people who think you have to follow someone out of the store in order to get a spot, then proceed to block other cars for eternity, are ruining it for everyone. Seek and ye shall find a spot.

Regarding the store, it's very nice. Staff are helpful and look like they actually enjoy working there. Meat and fish selection are the best (bison steaks? yes please). Prices on sale and store brand items are competitive.

As for the previous comments, every Whole Foods has its haters. That's why Piggly Wiggly exists.

The bad: Parking. What it does to parking for other Highland Village businesses. It's too bad it couldn't have gone into the District.It can also get a bit crowded, which speaks to its popularity.

The good: It's a great store. Just superb. You might not want to do your general grocery shopping there, but for specialty item and the food bars it's great. Sure it's more expensive than Kroger. But the food looks better and, it taste better. The crowd there is not as fat as most spots in Mississippi, tells you it's popular with people who don't understand that it costs more to eat well.

Whole Foods is not the answer to Jackson's problems. But it's not an either/or scenario. I've been 5-6 times since they've opened. Only once did I have difficulty finding parking. The lot's definitely packed--kind of like what you'll find for grocery stores in most urban areas. (It's not like parking at McDade's or Kroger's is always a piece of cake.) So, like it or not, the large crowds indicate a big demand, and maybe some curiosity, too.

Their prices for many items are higher. Then again, they sell a different type of product--one that places a higher focus on quality and healthier ingredients.

Anyone complaining that WF is not selling anything local is just flat ignorant. Mississippi grows less than 10% of what we consume. WF would love to buy more local, but the supply just doesn't exist right now. They are definitely interested in seeing our local food system develop. McDade's wants to see this, too, by the way. Before anyone gets all crazy and talks about all the farming going on in this state…we're definitely growing a few things, just not food. Corn (for cattle and ethanol), soy, cotton, pine, and lots of sweet potatoes--the majority of which we export.

I'd give customer service an A+.

It's a beautiful store with friendly, helpful employees. I didn't find the prices to be outrageous for what they offer, which is a variety of products unlike anything else, and unavailable anywhere else, in the Jackson area. The parking is atrocious, but I suppose that will improve when the novelty wears off. Overall, it's a terrific addition to Jackson, and will cause me to drive down from Madison more frequently.

It's just not my kind of place. I like chemically-laced and hormone-infused meat and potatoes. I may not live as long, but I will eat good, and Obamacare will take care of me.

I love it. The " new" is wearing off a bit and as to parking problems, it depends on what time of the day you go.

Of course, the comments are as one would expect.

For some, any chance to bash Jackson is an opportunity not to be missed.

This has happened when Whole Foods came to other cities.

Something new comes in, attracts a crowd and then the new wears off.

Over time, bringing in new people to a shopping center is never bad.

I think that WF fills a niche for a lot of products that aren't available at Kroger. I've tried some of their meat and seafood and was very pleased with each - they are the only place to buy air-chilled chicken as opposed to water-chilled, which adds water and weight to chickens and affects the taste - their produce is probably good, but it's overpriced - won't buy it - they have a very good cheese bar - can't speak to the pre-packaged food as I haven't shopped that extensively.

Parking is not that bad if by my guess 90% of drivers would quit circling the lot 6-7 times (same at kroger) for that "perfect" spot. Park your damn car & walk an extra 200' geez.

As far as store we'll go there some for seafood & produce. I can get prime meat at McDades for almost same price per pound as WF's choice

Good and bad....to small. I got real tired of being either bumped into or being is someones way. rather expensive...parking sucked..(heard a rumor the Cheveron is comming down for parking?) The good...fun to look at the neat stuff..had a nice guy make me a $15 large pizza that was outstanding! very helpful staff..I for one am glad they are here!

Has anyone tried the lamb fries at WF?

6:16. Please admit you have been drinking, or a product of JPS. Read your post. Not worthy of the dignity of JJ.

I went and my truck got broken into. Took an hour for Jackson's finest to show up. Luckily, I had my gun on my person and they didn't actually steal anything. Just damaged the door and rummaged through.

I never understood why the hate for Whole Foods or why so much attention. Its just a grocery store. High end, yes, but still a grocery store. Shouldn't deserve that much attention good or bad. Granted, the parking does look like it sucks but thats about it.

No inside info, no rumors, but I would not be shocked if that gas station or bank's days are numbered.

I hate it. I can't use my Trustmark branch there anymore, since there is NEVER anywhere to park! If I were Trustmark, I would demand customer parking and put a security guard there.

I have tried actually going to the WF store, but after 3 tries I've given up, as there is no parking. As to making a parking lot across the street? Good luck with taking groceries across there and not getting hit by a car or mugged on the other side.

I heard that the lease on that Chevron corner comes up for renewal in 30 to 60 days and it will not be renewed. And for all of you professional bashes out there WF owns up to 80% of Highland Village now therefor they can do what they want to do. Whine away!

Trustmark could probably take over that former Regions building across the street if still vacant

Who the hell ever heard of 'air chilled chicken'? As the comments about 'food tasting better than Kroger' and 'meat and fish' being better, please identify which of those products you have EVER bought at Kroger only to be disatisfied.

The grand opening staff at every store is superb. That's why they're selected from other locations and the home office. That too will wear off once they had back home and the food stamp crowd winds up at the register. And if you ask someone who 'ain't my aisle', you'll get the same replies. "You might check over on six. Or Sixteen".

I agree, KF.

For those with dietary restrictions,( lactose or gluten intolerance as examples) , Whole Foods increases the selections available in the area.

They have items, Rainbow and the tiny section at Kroger don't have.

They also have some gourmet items not available elsewhere for those who enjoy cooking.

For those who can't cook for themselves anymore ( and it's expensive to cook for one or two as well),it again expands the available choices.

I realize that Whole Foods doesn't appeal to everyone. I don't think that those who don't like it are odd humans. They simply have different priorities and tastes and lifestyle choices.

Sometimes, different is neither bad nor good, just different. When did we forget that? And, when did conformity of thought become a good thing?

Remove the Chevron and you'll generate far more hard feelings towards WF than the improved parking will resolve.

I think Whole Foods is a fabulous addition to the Jackson grocery market. I have been just about every day since it opened and have had little trouble finding a parking space. Perhaps it's my eagerness and anticipation that makes parking easier. The produce is outstanding, the staff is friendly and helpful. Thank you, Whole Foods, for being here!

Actually it needs to happen. The white folks go to the Chevron, the black folks go to the Exxon and Shell. Tearing it down will force everyone to go to the same gas stations. Whole Foods. Bringing people together. Who can argue with such a goal?

Appreciate the sarcasm but that Chevron means far more to the population of the area than WF does. I don't think it is lost on Whitwell how many reliable voting senior citizens count on that station.

I've always heard that the land the Chevron occupies is owned by the owners of the Chevron, not rented from Highland Village. Trustmark got screwed after spending a lot of money renovating that branch office. Highland Village should have built a multi-level parking garage up by Bravo.

Is that some new city park on Maurey? There is a United States flag flying there and people are picnicking now.

Pros:

#1--good selection of organic items for those who want to eat that way
#2--a lot of things are in that store one can't get anywhere else
#3--it's generating a lot of 'buzz' for our area in the region--we need 'positive mississippi' spoken a lot more

cons:
#1-the prices are a bit high on most items-but it's a focus on the quality of the food. spend more, eat less
#2--every whole foods parking lot is like that--just youtube 'whole foods parking lot'--a rap parody made in los angeles. same thing here in our store
#3--people shopping there will hurt other established businesses--mcdades? kroger? fresh market? rainbow? time will tell that story

Gas station owner does not own that land. Everything bordered by frontage, northside and old canton up to the parking at bravo is HV

I wonder how long it will be before other Highland Village tenants start looking to move, due to the parking problems?

(Maison Weiss would be great for Madison.)

There are those that will support local ownership as a matter of conviction. There are more who support local ownership because it's hip and then cast aspersions at others as if they're superior because of their false "convictions" to support local. It is the latter that will run gleefully to WF because WF is even more hip than supporting local ownership. We are watching this happen as we speak. It's not WF that annoys the rest of us. It's the "hip"ocrasy of the hipster crowd.

"Good luck with taking groceries across there and not getting hit by a car or mugged on the other side."

I hadn't thought about the hazards of a senior citizen pushing a buggy full of groceries across Old Canton Road - this doesn't sound like a practical solution.

I had to park at Bravo on Friday to pick up flowers from A Daisy A Day because the parking lot was jammed in the afternoon.

Doctor friend of mine witnessed the customer in front of him at WF buying over $100 worth of lamb, beef, and seafood with an EBT card. Not joking.

10:48...They do accept EBT. So what's your point? That is the intended use of EBT...to purchase food. Never understood the EBT recipient haters. The grocery stores come out as winners in the whole EBT debate anyway.

Rocky Mountain oysters are low in carbs. Does Whole Foods carry them?

A hip small business killing big boxer is at its heart still a small business killing big box store. It won't take long to figure out the mistake.

@ 11:21, same reason Habitat For Humanity doesn't build mansions. There's a difference between essentials and luxury. If you don't get it, you won't get it.

"Bringing people together" was a "Goal"? Bullshit. Citation please.

I've not visited WF because I'm neither a foodie nor a hipster nor willing to pay inflated prices because packaging has the word "organic" on it. Nor do I want to purchase from food bars likely crawling with e coli and other pesky organisms. Pretentious foodies bother me as much as pretentious Fondrenites arguing over their favorite barista. In fact, I've not been to Highland Village since Old Tyme Deli closed. And yes, that means I don't patronize Bravo either.

Pros: I really like the WF, V Day flowers were a hit at a good price and the "buy a steak, get a lobster tail" sale was cool. I paid a little more for the steaks but got lobster, so it was worth it. Parking isn't an issue unless you are opposed to parking more than 10 spaces from the front door. There is parking down the street beside it and behind the store too.

Cons: The nice bread section has open loaves of bread sitting out, along with cookies. I was in that area of the store talking to a friend as I watched people come along and just take and eat cookies, like they were samples. Worst thing I saw was an older guy pickup and put back 4 different loaves of bread, just picked them up and inspected them like they were tomatoes. This was a big turn off for me. Please WF, wrap up your bread...it looks good and I would buy some but not with it sitting out. Same goes for the candy bins.

@11:21, Of course the grocery stores come out the winners, just like Walmart Coke, Pepsi, Frito Lay, etc., are you just now figuring that out? EBT is just another way to tax earners and give the money to these massive industries by way of "providing nutrition" to the needy. Win-Win - ensnared lifetime voters and big corporate money backing.

Fair warning--I am by nature a skeptic,border line cynic--just visited store--I think Whole Foods is crazy to locate a store in Jackson,Ms---I THINK WE ARE CRAZY TO BITCH ABOUT OUR GOOD FORTUNE TO HAVE THEM HERE!!

Upset HV sold in the first place. I sure hope Chevron is not closed....good service, good people.

"Bringing people together" was a "Goal"? Bullshit. Citation please.

Believe a bit of that was sarc....

Take a chill pill, pookie.

It probably couldn't happen logistically/economically, but it would be great to keep the gas station and the Trustmark branch by moving them across the street instead of putting additional parking over there.

I pray that Chevron DOESN'T close or leave. Fantastic folks work there and mechanics are excellent. Its actually a real gas station, not a stop-n-rob. My 85 year old mother also goes there--feels comfortable, safe, and they are so nice to her, it just takes you back in time.

crap crap crap! It just can't close.

"The white folks go to the Chevron, the black folks go to the Exxon and Shell" with due respect, KF, you've got to be kidding me.

The Chevron has mechanics there who can work on your car, fix a flat, change the oil, etc. Its a 'service station', not a totsum. they will get the gas business as well as the mechanic business.

The Exxon and Shell close by--can get gas, no mechanic/no flat tire/no oil change/no help if having any car problems. Just gas and totsum. The Exxon does have Sweet Daddy's BBQ, which is excellent. Doesn't help me if I'm having car problems though, which is what I want in a 'service station'.

That Chevron station is beloved by many people. If WF causes it to be torn down, they will have a PR nightmare on their hands. I suspect many people would decide to bypass WF permanently if that happened. I know I would.

The Chevron has mechanics there who can work on your car, fix a flat, change the oil, etc. Its a 'service station', not a totsum

And can tune up your lawnmower. Those guys are good!

I'm with KF on this. I work at HV and thye parking was bad last week, This week, it's okay. And 7:18, yeah, I have had some bad crap come form McDades (bad case of food poisoning) and Kroger... well, let's see. One time, dead fly stuck on my salmon and another time, LIVE baby cockroach running around in my fish when I got home. So yes, you can can bad stuff anywhere. WF is a good thing.

Will get around to visiting WF one of these days, but in the meantime can someone fill me in on how it's better than Fresh Market? I don't like to drive south of the Renaissance, but will if it's worth it.

As long as Whole Foods is carrying some gourmet beef pizzle everything is going to be just fine.

Do they truly believe the empty and parked JPD cruiser is a deterrent to Jackustan's good will ambassadors?

4:11 PM - sure, just ask February 16 9:25 PM

What JPD needs to do is invest in a bunch of blow up dummies to place in the cars (think of the character Otto, the automatic pilot, in the Airplane movie). Put a cop hat on them and a shirt....would scare the hell out of me.

Bill, it's not better , it's similar but different.
Whole Foods has some brands Fresh Market doesn't carry. And, I think you get wider selection of " to go" foods at Whole Market. You can also " eat in" at Whole Foods.

4:11 pm You will often see empty police cars at Highland Village. There's a precinct office there!

Bill,
My wife and I went to WF Saturday. We didn't like it. It's not better than Fresh Market. We will go back to making the drive from 39211 to Fresh Market.

I prefer Whole Foods to Fresh Market, and for some things I prefer Whole Foods to Kroger. I don't shop at McDade's, because I prefer the food I pay my money for to be within the expiration date range, and that is often not the case at McDade's.

Whole Foods is for you if you like to cook. If you don't really like to cook, then Fresh Market is ok. FM has a lot more pre-cooked foods. Whole Foods has more produce, more raw bulk food supplies (like nuts, flours, beans and the like).

I don't like the parking but I've never had trouble finding a spot. I just park at the first one I see and walk to the door in about 10 seconds. And then I laugh at the giant SUV who is waiting for 10 minutes for a space by the front door.

The meat I've gotten at WF has been outstanding. The chicken breasts, thighs, and individual sausages from the deli have been great.

The produce has been ok. I think Kroger's produce is just as good.

All in all I applaud them for coming and I hope they make a lot of money here. I think size wise it is not a big store when you compare it to the ones in Louisiana. I think within the next 3-5 years we could see another WF in the Jackson Metro area.

Someone expressed dubiousness about air-dry chicken.

Go to Krogers. Read the labels on most of the chick and note they have an allowed percentage of brine added. That's brine, salt and water. You are paying for water. You are paying to oversalt your food.

A couple of brands minimize it, but check inside the plastic and see if you can find a single brand that isn't waterlogged.

Now, go to WF. Look at their chicken. It is dry. It does not have added salt or water. If you were to take some home and cook it, you would discover that it browns better, produces better crispy skin, and in just every way is a better thing to eat. AND you have the added benefit of not having to open a package and have pretty disgusting chicken juice spread about in your kitchen.

A gain worth paying for, in my opinion.

Relating to another comment, about someone using an EDF card for items said to be luxury. What I read was "someone is using an EDF card to buy good nutritious food they will be cooking at home and not prepackaged precooked crap. In my experience, you can eat cheaper buying somewhat pricy raw ingredients than buying crappy processed food.

You have become a Donna Ladd shithead by culling rebuttals to stupid shit comments. Argue back??? Culled.

Phuck you.

The parking area proposed across Old Canton Road will be for WF employees.
Kimwood will be closed for vehicular traffic and the lots and road areas will be well landscaped.

I agree with 6:29. You ignored 2 of my defense of Jackson comebacks. Useless as the bigots that paint us anything positive.

Yup, spot zoning.

I agree with 3:19 and 3:43 PM. If Chevron has to close due to a grocery store, then screw the grocery store.

I shop at Kroger, McDades, and Macs. Depends on what I need at that time. All three are good stores.

What we don't have is a damn good service station with mechanics.

Highland Village owns the dirt underneath the Chevron. If indeed the lease is ready to expire, HV has the right to bulldoze the gas station and do whatever they want with it. If the Chevron is so good and the customers so loyal, then the Chevron can lease or buy their own dirt and build their own station. Or is that too free market for some of you? Why, if all you NE Jackson conservatives are all about free markets, do you even give a rip about WH?? Spend your money anywhere you want. I really don't care.

The tire kickers have come and gone. It's busy, but I have had zero trouble getting a parking spot this last week.

Glad to have the option, even if the prices are high. It certainly has made Kroger pick up their game.

@11:19
I don't live in Jackson, so I'm not a "NE Jackson Conservative".

"..too free market.." what a sad statement. That Chevron is a good place with good mechanics--something extremely hard to come by--and its been there for many many years.

"do you even give a rip about Whole Foods?" I thought it was just another grocery store. I didn't worship them before, not going to start now. Its.a. grocery.store.

If Highland Village boots the one gas station I go to with honest folks, then that's their choice.

Its also my choice not to shop at this place (HV or the groc), keep grocery shopping at the places I like, and hopefully the one damn thing we actually need (honest mechanics) will set up shop at a nearby location.

Honesty and good service is what I like and what I will continue to support.

Correction - I meant "why do you give a rip about WF?" It's just a grocery store. If you don't like it, don't go there. I shop a Kroger, McDade's and now WF. Choice is good.
If the Chevron goes, it goes. I never shop there anyway because the gas costs too much. They'll find another home. Successful businesses always do.

Well then there you have it. The definitive voice @ 12:51 AM doesn't frequent the Chevron.

I am hugely amused that this topic has inspired so many passionate comments (yes, my own included...) At the end of the day, KF is right: it's just a high-end grocery store, you numbskulls---not a cleverly-designed front for al Qaida operatives, nor a Communist plot...it's just a pretty place that sells fancy vittles. Go and shop, or don't go and shop...your choice! Sheesh, and double-sheesh.

It's kind of like Maison Weiss. If I feel fragile and in need of something pricey and luxurious to dry my *lacrima rerum*, I'll go shop there, as a treat. If I want to save money and get something just as cute for a fraction of the cost, I'll cruise SteinMart, or maybe Repeat Street.

It's more about psychology than food, as all high-end retailers well know. But I do admit that if I were behind someone in line who was using EBT card to buy LAMB, I'd probably go just as ballistic as some of the crazier crazies on this site!

That Chevron has been an eyesore for years and needs to go. It is also dangerous for cars to be turning in and out so close to the intersection.

The Trustmark could and should go as well.

Good riddance to both.

Thank you 10:38. Remember that tacky ass shell that use to be across the street???

Finally a sane comment on that dirty, grease bucket.

CLOSE IT.

It is also dangerous for cars to be turning in and out so close to the intersection.

No more dangerous (probably less so) than the entrance/exit to Julep.

I guess we need to put a vase of flowers out front. Cuz that's what reeeeealy matters---

Busy drive time for the Exit 100 panhandlers tonight. The Whole Foods customers are mighty generous.

It's called a big city, rube ass at 6:07. If you are uncomfortable and can't handle the stress of panhandlers, move to Bolton.

SUCH a hick!

The rumors about Chevron are false. Whole foods may WANT to tear it down for parking, but cant. The lease runs through 2017.

Car #1229 checking in. Hasn't moved in 7+ days. Deterrent factor = ZILCH. Though the folks living in Eastover may be fooled ... or fooled fools.

Exit 100 panhandlers packed it in when the rain began but they made some green today.

Welcome to LeFleur East!!!

Why do you Rankin and Madison County rednecks obsess about Jackson's victory in Whole Foods. Really. Why? Enjoy your strip centers. We are happy for you!

Rednecks? Victory?

We in Rankin enjoy life without your concerns for having to cheerlead something you need more than us.

Why do you Rankin and Madison County rednecks obsess over anything good in Jackson. Really. Why?

Well 11:18, it's because there are so few good things there.

9:22 doesn't get out much apparently.

Is everyone in Jacktown "touchy"? or "affected" by others? or "mad"? You can take it any way you want. I don't give a shiv one way or another. Funny, but I want Jackson to succeed on many levels. I have a problem with those who think they have to only cheerlead to get there.

Seriously, I'm not married to a piece of land. The challenge with those critical of outlanders of Hinds County is that we wish, hope and shiv in the other hand when we consider the other hand in bringing Jackson to the city it could be.

11:14. Too many cocktails. How does your head feel right now?

11:14? Where?

Appears that Twitterwell is once again working to pit neighbor against neighbor. How about an update on this Kimwood situation KF?