A rumor started that Whole Foods on 27th and Telegraph Avenue in Oakland, the 50,000 square-foot store that has revitalized a long-dead part of Oakland's Adams Point, and can be seen in this Zennie62 video from September 26, 2007...
was going to leave Oakland after an attack by protestors at first connected to Occupy Oakland, but later found not to be associated with the mainstream managers of the movement, as seen in this video from Russia Today:
Here's an email that was circulated:
Subject: Say it isn't so!
Dear Mr. Lennon and Mr. Brizee,
A rumor has begun to circulate that WholeFoods is contemplating pulling out of Oakland! I do find it difficult to believe, given the capital investment you’ve recently expended renovating the store. However, if there’s any truth to the rumor, I’m sure that it is strictly a business decision, so I’ll skip the part where I wax poetic about your cheese department, the bakery, the prepared foods, and the produce! Instead, I’ll remind you to consider how the are! a surrounding your store stands to flourish as the city pursues development of the Broadway-Valdez District. Shoppers will come from all parts of the East Bay to spend money there and will, without a doubt, fill your aisles with Foodies and Epicureans beyond your wildest dreams. Please put an end to the rumor. The economy will recover and Oakland, holding its own when it comes to restaurants and farmer’s markets, will make us all proud as it leads the recovery on this side of the Bay. Believe in us! We believe in you!
Very sincerely yours,
Lorri
Whole Foods responded with this reply:
To: Arazi, Lorri
Cc: David Lannon (NC NCC)
Subject: RE: Say it isn't so!
Hello Ms. Arazi,
We have NO intention of leaving Oakland. We are here to STAY! We will continue to be a part of the community and support the continued growth and improvement of Oakland!
Thanks for your support – it means a lot to us
Sincerely,
Earl Brizee WFM Oakland Store Team leader
Let's hope that remains the case.
Stay tuned.
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