Where will the Lincoln Park mommies stock up on YoBaby?

Here's some cognitive dissonance for you: the Whole Foods Lincoln Park location is closed for rodent infestation.

Wednesday night is pizza night

We learned about Whole Foods' $7.99 Wednesday night pizza special months ago, and we've done a pretty good job of picking up their delicious 16" pies to share with our next-door neighbors ever since. Tonight we're expanding the party to three houses and enjoying our slices in the backyard.
5 adults
6 kids under 9
3 large pizzas
1 salad
1 six-pack of Corona with limes
...and a carton of cookie dough ice cream

Whole Foods crosses the pond

My expat sister-in-law Bethany sent me this article from The Guardian on Whole Foods' arrival in Britain. Apparently the golden aisles, mini cafes and abundant fruit displays are seducing the English as well as they have affluent Americans. Much of the article is dedicated to the company's now familiar back story, but it touches on the current backlash and the impact the store has had on more mainstream grocery store offerings. Nothing new, but it is interesting to hear it from an outsider's point of view.

Speaking of backlash, a copy of Michael Pollan's expose of Big Organic, The Omnivore's Dilemma, is on hold for me at the library. I'll report back soon.

How to kill your brand

The LA Times has a great article on how once beloved brands expand too quickly, losing the very quirky uniqueness that attracted customers in the first place. First on the list companies that have overreached and lost their way is Starbucks. As most people know by now, an internal memo penned by CEO Howard Schultz went public after being anonymously posted to a Starbucks Gossip site. In the memo, Schultz admits that Starbucks has cut too many corners and become too sanitized, too corporate. It is in danger of losing its cultishly loyal devotees, in spite of their caffeine addition.

Of course, for every once-loved Krispy Kreme or Snapple, there are Chipotle and Trader Joe's, companies that have slavishly held tight to their brand personalities while expanding nationwide. How will other brands fare? Will Potbelly Sandwich Works still hire cheerful workers behind the line and tolerable singer-songwriters to serenade us from above the booths. Will their milkshakes get watered down into "shakes," a la Mickey D's?

In my experience, Cold Stone Creamery, Cosi, Jamba Juice and Maggiano's Little Italy/Corner Bakery seem to be doing a good job keeping their USP (unique selling proposition) in sight as they grow. Will Whole Foods Market?