Central Market and Whole Foods open new DFW stores

DallasNews.com: Grocers hope to pass taste tests

Two of the most closely watched U.S. specialty food chains – both with roots deep in the heart of Texas – are putting their faith in Dallas-area residents to help them define their next steps in food retailing.

Competitors known for their innovations, Whole Foods Market Inc. and H.E. Butt Grocery Co.’s Central Market swear it’s just a coincidence that they’re each opening their chain’s next-generation stores in D-FW today. In Southlake, shoppers will help Central Market decide if it’s landed on the right suburban concept to make the leap outside of Texas.

In Dallas, the new Whole Foods at Preston Road and Forest Lane will help the Austin-based chain decide if it’s going to become a major spa operator.

It is very interesting to watch the grocery business go increasingly upscale as the battle the Wal-Mart juggernaut.