Whole Foods introduces food truck test kitchen at Austin flagship
In order to try out new culinary concepts and evaluate collaborations with chefs and supplier partners, Whole Foods Market will open a food truck test kitchen at its flagship store in Austin, Texas.
Developed by the retailer’s recently hired VP of culinary and hospitality, Tien Ho, the initial concept will launch March 10 as Tartinette, which will serve open-faced sandwiches and salads from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Whole Foods said it plans to change the concept, menu and name of the truck every two months.“This test kitchen is so exciting because we get to include Whole Foods Market customers in the process, using their input to create dishes that could become new favorites across the country,” Ho said in a press release. “Guests visiting the truck can expect the same high-quality, fresh ingredients found in our stores, and a menu that’s completely revamped each season. Changing it up will give us the chance to collaborate with local chefs and suppliers to create eating experiences you won’t find in any other grocery store.”
Whole Foods also plans to donate 2% of sales from the truck to non-profit partners. The first beneficiary will be the Austin Food & Wine Alliance.
