Whole Foods opening third largest store in Chicago's Lincoln Park in May

(Jean Lachat/Sun-Times)

The third-largest Whole Foods store in the world opens May 20 in Lincoln Park, introducing Chicagoans to a riverwalk, seven neighborhood-themed eateries, mix-and-match cookie and trail-mix stations, and express checkout lanes with a screen directing shoppers to the next open cashier.

The new Whole Foods at 1550 N. Kingsbury will feature seven neighborhood-themed eateries and outdoor seating along the river.

The new 75,000-square-foot store includes a 420-car indoor parking lot (free with store purchase), a twice-as-big wine department, a cosmetics makeup counter and bath-salt bar, and bigger selections of goods for babies and children, including a line of frozen children's food.

True to Whole Foods' reputation for food as theater, shoppers enter a colorfully laid-out produce section ringed by old-style Chicago street lights, a faux water tower, loft-like high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling natural lighting. The seven eateries sport their own themes and decor: Wicker Park Subs, Pilsen Taqueria, Taylor Street Pizza, Asian Express, the retro Riverview Diner, Da Vine wine and cheese bar and the Chicago Smokehouse and Rotisserie.

The store has Wi-Fi, seating for 200 in the mezzanine, a lounge area, outdoor tables overlooking the river, and a stage for music and presentations at the entryway coffee and beer bar. If every seat were occupied, the eating and lounge areas would hold 400.

Steve - wow. I can't wait to see it. It sounds like a theme park.