Finding a decent grocery store in downtown Tempe used to be a whole ordeal. You basically had to drive out to South Tempe or battle the traffic toward Scottsdale just to find a head of organic kale that wasn't wilted. Then, Whole Foods Market Tempe AZ finally opened its doors at the corner of Ash Avenue and University Drive, and the neighborhood vibe changed overnight. It isn't just a place to grab milk. It’s a massive 40,000-square-foot social hub that sits right on the ground floor of "The Local" apartment complex.
Honestly, if you've ever lived in a "food desert" area, you know why this was such a big deal for the ASU crowd and the downtown residents.
What makes Whole Foods Market Tempe AZ actually different?
Most people think every Whole Foods is a carbon copy of the last one. That’s just not true here. Because this location is so close to Arizona State University, the designers leaned hard into the "urban hangout" aesthetic. You've got these massive garage-style doors that stay open when the Arizona weather is actually behaving, blurring the line between the sidewalk and the produce section.
It feels more like a community center than a supermarket. You’ll see students with laptops camping out at the tables and locals meeting up for a beer after work. It’s got that high-energy, downtown pulse that most suburban grocery stores completely lack.
The "On Ash" Taproom Situation
If you haven't been to the second floor, you’re missing the best part. On Ash is the in-store bar and restaurant, and it’s surprisingly legit. They have 24 different beers on tap, and a lot of them are local—we're talking SanTan Brewing, Huss Brewing, and Four Peaks.
- Happy Hour: They usually run deals that actually compete with the bars on Mill Ave.
- The View: There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating with a great view of the surrounding neighborhood.
- The Food: You can grab pub-style fare directly from the bar menu, or honestly, just grab a slice of pizza from the station downstairs and bring it up.
It’s one of the few places in Tempe where you can get a pint of local IPA and do your weekly grocery shopping under the same roof. Sorta makes the chore of adulting a little more bearable.
Navigating the local Arizona brands
One thing Whole Foods does well is the "Local Forager" program. They actually employ people to scout out Arizona-based makers. When you walk through the Tempe aisles, keep an eye out for these specific local gems that you won't always find at the big-box chains:
Café Lalibela: This is a Tempe staple. Their restaurant is just down the street, but you can find their Ethiopian lentil dishes and injera in the prepared foods section.
Crows Dairy: If you like goat cheese, look for this brand. They’re based in Buckeye and their stuff is incredibly fresh.
Mediterra Bakehouse: Their bread is usually delivered daily. If you see the sourdough, just buy it. You won't regret it.
Honeymoon Sweets: A local bakery that provides a lot of the specialty desserts in the cases.
The parking headache (and how to solve it)
Let’s be real: parking in downtown Tempe is a nightmare. Most people see the Whole Foods on Ash and assume they’ll have to pay $20 for a garage spot. Here is the secret: there is a dedicated parking garage for the store, and it's free for shoppers (usually for the first 90 minutes or so).
You enter the garage from Ash Avenue. Once you're inside, look for the EV charging stations if you're driving a Tesla or something similar. They have a few Greenlots/Shell Recharge outlets right near the entrance escalator.
Pro tip: don't try to park on the street. The meters are aggressive, and the garage is much cooler anyway since it's shaded from that brutal Arizona sun.
Tech and Amazon integration
Since Amazon bought the chain, this store is basically a tech lab. You can pay with your palm using Amazon One, which feels very "sci-fi" the first time you do it. There are also self-service Amazon Returns kiosks. You don't even need a box or a label; you just hand them your return, they scan your phone, and you’re done. It beats waiting in line at the UPS store any day of the week.
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Addressing the "Whole Paycheck" reputation
Is it expensive? Yeah, it can be. If you walk in and buy every pre-cut fruit bowl and name-brand organic snack, you're going to feel it at the register.
But if you shop the 365 by Whole Foods Market brand, the prices are actually pretty competitive with Fry's or Safeway. Prime members also get an extra 10% off sale items (look for the yellow signs). If you’re a student at ASU, keep an eye out for those yellow tags—they’re basically your best friend for staying on a budget while still eating something that didn't come out of a microwave.
Why the location matters for Tempe
Before this store opened in 2019, the "The Local" apartment site was just another empty lot. Its arrival signaled a shift in how downtown Tempe functions. It made the area walkable. Before, if you lived on Mill Ave or Ash, you were tethered to a car just to get eggs. Now, the store acts as an anchor for the whole north-of-university district.
Sustainability and Standards
Every piece of meat and seafood in the store has to meet specific welfare standards. They don't allow hydrogenated fats or high-fructose corn syrup in any of the food they sell. For people with allergies or strict diets (vegan, keto, paleo), it’s basically the only place where you don't have to spend 20 minutes reading the fine print on every label.
The bakery even has a massive selection of vegan cakes and gluten-free treats that actually taste like real food.
Actionable steps for your next visit
If you're planning to head over to Whole Foods Market Tempe AZ, do these three things to make the most of it:
- Download the Amazon/Whole Foods App: Link your Prime account before you get to the register. The savings on those yellow-tagged items add up fast, especially on meat and produce.
- Use the Ash Ave Entrance for the Garage: Don't circle the block looking for street parking. The garage is easy, shaded, and has an escalator that drops you right into the store.
- Check the "On Ash" Tap List: Before you shop, head upstairs. They often have limited-run local beers that you can’t get anywhere else in the valley.
Whether you're an ASU student looking for a quick salad bar lunch or a local resident doing your full weekly haul, this location is easily the most convenient—and let’s be honest, the coolest—grocery option in the downtown area. Just remember to bring your reusable bags, or you'll be stuck paying for those brown paper ones at the end.