Clearwater's Whole Foods Market is hiring 200 for fall opening

CLEARWATER — Whole Foods Market's debut location in Pinellas County is hiring about 200 workers ahead of its grand opening this fall, a company spokesman said.

The international health food grocery chain's latest venture will occupy 36,000 square feet in the lower level of Sears at Westfield Countryside Mall, according to plans submitted to the city.

Sears will keep its south entrance near BJ's Restaurant, while Whole Foods will get the west entrance, plans show. There won't be an entrance to the mall from Whole Foods.

The $1.5 million project will be among nearly 400 Whole Foods stores, which are known for their eco-friendly approach as much as the vast salad bar, hot food bar and soup selection along with products such as organic milk, grass-fed beef and whole-grain foods.

The Clearwater store will be the chain's third in Tampa Bay. The others are in Tampa and Carrollwood.

Prospective employees must go online to bit.ly/wfmjobs to apply.

As of midweek, the site listed nine positions — including overnight grocer, barista, specialists, buyers and supervisors. Company spokesman Jeremy Jones said job seekers should check back frequently for updates.

Visit Facebook.com/whole foodsmarketclearwater for more information.