Boston’s Whole Foods Market mothership is about to arrive, folks! We hope you’re prepared. On Friday, January 9, the much-anticipated Whole Foods Market Ink Block will open in the building that once housed the Boston Herald. 

And trust me when I say that it’s certainly a new kind of grocery shopping experience.

After touring the 50,000-square-foot Whole Foods, I can attest that it’s much more than just your run-of-the-mill grocery store. For starters, there’s a coffee bar with several high-tech Modbar espresso machines, which essentially brew coffee on-tap. There’s a first-of-its-kind “Fish Shack,” which will feature both fried and steamed seafood to-go. Everywhere you look – from newspaper clippings in the check-out line to old signage above the aisles – there’s a constant reminder that you’re inside the former Boston Herald building. Beer, wine and spirits line the shelves (rejoice!) and the booze even has its own designated section of the store, situated below several hanging chandeliers.

Oh, and did we mention there’s a spa? This particular Whole Foods Market will feature an in-store spa, operated by Austin, Texas based milk + honey. The spa will offer a variety of services, including manicures, pedicures, facials, hot shaves and shoe shines.

According to a release, the Whole Foods Market Ink Block will hold its “bread-breaking ceremony” on Friday, January 9 at 9:45 a.m. It will be open at 10 a.m. to the public. The store is located at 348 Harrison Avenue in Boston’s South End. The hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

Take a peek at Boston’s new Whole Foods Market flagship before it opens this Friday.

All images via author