Time flies when you're running one of the world's most profitable grocery chains. Whole Foods, the organic and natural foods supermarket trendsetter, turns 30 on Sept. 20.
It has been widely imitated in style and concept. Its pricing has garnered it the pop culture nickname "Whole Paycheck." The relatively tiny chain, which has 300 units in 38 states, has had a cultural impact more akin to that of Starbucks, which has more than 11,000 U.S. locations.
Yet, last year, in one of its most challenging years ever, Whole Foods (WFMI) still posted sales of $8 billion. It is about to roll out three much-watched health and wellness programs at stores in the next year. USA TODAY marketing reporter Bruce Horovitz talks with co-founder, cosmic thinker and conservative hippie John Mackey, 57, about his company's past three decades and the next. The interview is edited for length and clarity.
Q: What do you say to those who claim Whole Foods has gotten stodgy and gray at the temples?
A: In human biology, 30 is your peak. … We're still youthful and idealistic, but more mature and wiser now.
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