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Sandwich-loving Denverites already know that Birdcall will have a second outpost of its fried chicken concept in the upcoming Whole Foods Market Union Station (opening at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, November 15). As of yesterday, we learned that the new flagship store is gaining another tenant: Tel Aviv Street Food, an Israeli-style pita sandwich shop from Colorado-based U Baron Group (the folks behind Izzio Artisan Bakery and Etai’s Bakery Cafe).
Whole Foods has long carried Izzio’s breads, but Tel Aviv Street Food brings new flavors to the store. The lunch-and-dinner venue will serve five sandwiches: charred cauliflower with labneh; lamb; chicken shawarma; shredded beef; and falafel. Diners can enjoy them in a traditional pita or served as a bowl. Sides and a breakfast menu may eventually be added to the menu. “It speaks to [the Bar-on] family, their heritage, and their history,” says Red Elk Banks, Whole Foods’ vice president of purchasing.
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With food halls and markets popping up across the country (and around Denver), offering more dining options is also good business for Whole Foods. Tel Aviv Street Food will be the second “Friends of Whole Foods Market” venue in the 50,000-square-foot downtown grocery store. “We think for a store like Union Station—putting it in the middle of downtown Denver, with the incredible culinary scene going on right now—our customers will appreciate that diversity of offerings,” Banks says.
We suggest digging into your order from the outdoor mezzanine patio overlooking Union Station.
While You’re There: In addition to the extensive grab-and-go options Whole Foods shoppers have come to expect, the new Union Station location will feature the first mac and cheese bar; poke, noodle, and rice bowls from Kikka Sushi; and an in-house salad chopper to toss and chop build-your-own salads.
Tel Aviv Street Food’s hours have not been set yet, but the eatery will start serving on November 15, when Whole Foods Market Union Station officially opens to the public. Parking underground (with validation) is free for two hours.
1701 Wewatta St.
