Little Rock gourmands, get excited! The new location of Whole Foods Market opens its doors at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18.

The spacious, 34,000 square-foot store is located at 501 Bowman Road next to Best Buy. Stroll through the brightly-colored shipping container entrance and enjoy free pastries and coffee as you watch the bread-breaking ceremony (Whole Foods' version of a ribbon-cutting) at 7:30 a.m. Feb. 18. The official grand opening will be at 8 a.m., and the first 500 shoppers will receive a re-usable shopping bag. You can also enjoy tastings, sales, music and activities throughout the day.

During the opening week, a local nonprofit will receive 1 percent of the store's sales each day. Support the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance (Feb. 18), Arkansas Local Food Network (Feb. 19), The One (Feb. 20), Central Arkansas Rescue Effort for Animals or C.A.R.E. (Feb. 21), and Wildwood Park for the Arts (Feb. 22).

As you roam the new store, you'll notice lots of eco-features, from the overhead skylights to reclaimed barnwood decor. Keep an eye out in many sections of the store (produce, meat and fish, etc.) for signs explaining the store's product ratings, which take into account environmental impact, as well as GMO considerations, fair treatment of farmers and employees, and more.

Many of customers' favorite features have been enhanced, including an expanded seafood department, which will cut, fillet, season and de-bone purchases for free; a barbecue bar stocked with in-house smoked ribs, chopped beef and more; and a much larger selection of prepared foods in the salad and hot food bar area.


Choose from over 300 hand-cut cheeses.


In the "bulk" aisle, you'll find about 250 items.

Brand-new to the Little Rock store is a pizzeria. Grab a piece from the slice bar or order a whole pie, and don't forget to ask about the 3-topping special on Thursdays. A custom sandwich menu includes items named just for Little Rock (we'll take the Clinton Classic, please--a combination of turkey, apple, brie and fig spread.).

Parents, you may appreciate the 12-tap beer and wine bar when you need a minute of post-grocery shopping relaxation. The camping-themed spot includes indoor seating and an outdoor patio. They also boast pub food on the menu and a take-home growler program. If you're more of a caffeine junkie, you can get your fix at the coffee, smoothie and fresh-squeezed juice bar; the espresso machine is a beauty that was built in Italy. It's a manual, so the barista can customize your java just the way you like it.

Last, but certainly not least for busy moms and dads is the new personal shopping service. Send your list to the store in advance, and an employee will gather your groceries for you. The best part: The personal shoppers are said to be very discerning about product choices (you can also request your preferences) and they're super quick because they know every inch of the store! Stop by the customer service desk to see how you can participate for a minimal fee.

Whole Foods Market Little Rock will be open daily 8 a.m.-10 p.m. For more information, visit WholeFoodsMarket.com/Stores/Bowman.