When the long-anticipated Whole Foods Market Union Station opens later this fall, it will be bringing more than a killer cheese selection and (my favorite) homemade wheat tortilla chips to downtown: Local fast-casual, fried chicken purveyor, Birdcall, is opening a second outpost in the store.

Diners can expect the same high-tech service (order at a kiosk, swipe your card, and watch the screen to see when your order will be ready and in which cubby to find your tray) and morning and evening menus as the original two-month-old eatery in Five Points from owners Jean-Philippe Failyau and Peter Newlin (of Park Burger and Homegrown Tap and Dough). The outdoor and indoor seating area will serve both Birdcall and Whole Foods customers. As a standalone “Friends of Whole Foods Market” venue, Birdcall will operate as its own entity, including serving wine and 24 local brews. (Whole Foods will not be selling alcohol.)

“Local partnerships are incredibly important to us,” says Tom Rich, vice president of Whole Foods Market Rocky Mountain region. “[Birdcall’s] ordering systems is one of the best that I’ve come across for customers. I’m really excited. I think this is probably one of the most evolved [Friends of Whole Foods Market] partnerships we’ve built.”

While Birdcall is certainly upping Denver’s grocery game, it’s not the only reason we’re excited for the latest Whole Foods: Products from Füdmill, Alex Seidel, Matt Vawter, Keegan Gerhard, and Lisa Bailey’s wholesale artisan pastry company, will also be available at the store, including a new addition—fresh-baked focaccia. (Those avoiding carbs will be excited to know the store will also be serving fresh juice on tap.)

An official date has not yet been announced, but expect both Whole Foods Market Union Station and its Birdcall to open around Thanksgiving.

Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer is an award-winning writer and editor based in Denver. You can find more of her work at daliahsinger.com.