Let me start with this, I do not believe Whole Foods will solve any of Detroit's problems but hell, I want a one-stop-shop to buy organic whatever-the-heck-I-want.

I agree that this is not the first "inner city" location but I think what is a "first" for this WF is how involved they have been in the community. They recognize that the city is not a "food desert". They are located half a mile from Eastern Market and have struck up a partnership with them. There are tons of small businesses in the city who have excellent food products and until now have not had a shared retailer from which to sell them. WF sells more "local" products than any other grocery store in the city proper.

Sure I will stop in Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe for a better beer selection or some of their white chicken chili (amazing) and jump into Village or Lafayette Markets when I need a quick gallon of organic milk, but I am thrilled to have Whole Foods as a part of this city (Not so thrilled that I would have waited in line to enter but still thrilled.)