Former Whole Foods execs are helping to launch a new health-focused retail chain
ismagilov

Whole Foods Market co-founder John Mackey has some big plans after he retires from the chain next month. Mackey is reportedly going to help startup Health America LLC in its efforts to build a chain of plant-based restaurants and wellness centers that offer fitness and spa services.
Mackey is listed as a partner in Healthy America LLC, which has raised about $31M from investors earlier this year. The company is full of ex-Whole Foods employees, including CEO Betsy Foster who left the Amazon-owned grocery chain in 2020.
Austin-based Health America is described as an evidence-based lifestyle company that will lead the convergence of culinary, healthcare, and wellness. Healthy America is based in Austin, Texas and staffed by veterans of the high-end grocer.
The first Health America location is expected to be in southern California under the brand name Love Life!.
For the most part, Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) has been introducing initiatives since buying Whole Foods in 2017, including smart grocery carts this year that will allow customers to skip the checkout line. Whole Foods was not mentioned on Amazon's Q2 earnings call with analysts.