Two Kansas Whole Foods Markets will soon have the same name, after some residents stated they did not want a grocery store called Bread and Circus - the company's sister brand.
According to The Witchita Eagle, citizens reportedly did not support the company's decision to call one of the locations Bread and Circus. They also did not back a bid to call the store Whole Foods Market,due to a conflict of interest with local grocery chain Whole Foods Association.
The owner of GreenAcres Market stores, which bought the locations in January from the Witchita, Kan., Whole Foods Association told The Eagle she could not comment on details about the change.
"I'm not able to say anything right now," Barb Hoffman said.
Whole Foods' executive marketing coordinator also said he did not have any information to share.
"Unfortunately, at this point I can't comment on anything," Ben Friedland said.
Whole Foods co-founder and co-chief executive officer said today's need for good produce reflects the tenured company's place in the grocery business.
"The rapidly growing demand for fresh, healthy foods affirms our mission for the last 36 years and highlights the increasing growth opportunity ahead of us," John Mackey said in a company press release. "Whole Foods Market is the premier brand in natural and organic foods, with unparalleled quality standards and the broadest selection. As we continue to innovate and evolve at a fast pace, we are confident in our ability to gain market share and expect our sales to approach $25 billion over the next five years."
Whole Foods has developed Bread and Circus since acquiring the brand in 1992.
The company's Northeast region president in 2003 said employees have marketed the name on all of its branded materials, including napkins.
"... We have gradually implemented the name change on many materials in our stores, from aprons to shopping carts to grocery bags. Therefore, the only real change is with our external signs," David Lannon said in a statement.
Bread and Circus's founder said customers see the company's presence in Whole Foods stores.
"The food quality, display style and integrity that Bread and Circus embraced can still be seen today at Whole Foods Market," Anthony Harnett said in a statement. "I shop at the Whole Foods Market near my house in California. I can always find what I want and trust that it is the best quality."
