Whole Foods, the upscale market that is the United States’ first certified organic grocer, opened its new market on Broad St.to Newark residents, Mar. 1.

The unveiling of Whole Foods began with Newark citizens gathering around the Whole Foods staff to partake in the store’s  traditional bread breaking ceremony. To solidify the bond between Newark and its citizens, a Whole Foods employee shared bread-breaking with Mayor Ras Baraka.

Whole Foods’ unveiling exposes Newark residents to 29,000 square feet of organic produce and has committed to provide 145 jobs to the Newark community.

Rondale Scott, a Newark citizen employed by Whole Foods, is optimistic about Whole Foods’ future in Newark.

“I think this will offer a lot of opportunities to Newark citizens,” Mr. Scott said. “I know our presence will help the community very well.”

This grand opening is a historical occasion for the Whole Foods brand because it is the first whole foods market in the northeast region that collaborated with the Whole Cities Foundation—a new non-profit organization dedicated to supporting efforts that bring fresh, nutritious food and broader access to healthy eating education to underserved communities.

At first, critics were concerned that Whole Foods would be too costly for Newark citizens, however, the Whole Foods’ store team leader Joseph Torres reassured citizens’ doubt.

“We have taken a lot of price expenses to make sure that we are marketable not only to the businesses in the area but also the residents,” Mr. Torres said. “Our pricing investments are committed, so we are cheaper than the normal whole foods market outside of the city.”

And the checkout lines confirmed it. They were packed. The store was buzzing with customers, and the launch day appeared successful.

“We know that the community opened us with open arms, and it was nice to actually see it,” said Mr. Torres.