Fishtownies

🛒 Whole Foods could be coming to Fishtown!

The grocery giant is eyeing a roughly 9,400-square-foot space at 1716 Frankford Ave, the ground floor of the 40-unit building the Fishtown Collective is constructing at Frankford and Palmer, right next to Kalaya and across from Palmer Park. If it happens, it would be the first chain grocery store within Fishtown’s boundaries.

According to a new article in the Philadelphia Business Journal by Emma Dooling and Paul Schwedelson, the plans came out at Tuesday night’s Fishtown Neighbors Association meeting, where the developers said the store is contingent on approval of a 24-hour loading zone on Frankford Ave for deliveries. Neighbors voted 60 to 3 in favor, and the recommendation now heads to Councilmember Quetcy Lozada and City Council.

At 9,400 square feet, this would likely be one of Whole Foods’ smaller Daily Shop stores rather than a full-size market, though that hasn’t been confirmed. Daily Shops run 7,000 to 14,000 square feet (a regular Whole Foods is around 40,000) and are built for quick neighborhood trips, with fresh produce, meat and seafood, prepared foods, bakery items, and a smaller selection of 365 brand staples. The concept launched in New York in 2024, and eight are now open across New York, London, and Arlington, Virginia, with one also announced for South Street here in Philly last month.

The Fishtown Collective is the same team behind The Bend at 1359 Frankford (home to Shake Shack and Sweetgreen) and Urby on Front Street. Construction at 1716 Frankford started in January, with about 12 months of buildout to go.

One thing we’ll say, no matter what happens here, keep supporting the local grocers and markets that have been feeding this neighborhood for years. Tag your favorites in the comments so everyone knows where to find them.

Would you welcome a Whole Foods to Fishtown, or do you have concerns about the loading zone and traffic? Let us know below!

📍 1716 Frankford Ave