AUSTIN, TX - Although Whole Foods Market Co-Founder John Mackey is planning to retire from the retailer next month, that doesn’t mean he will be spending his time leisurely. Instead, the grocery trailblazer is expected to help Healthy America, a startup, build a chain of plant-based restaurants and wellness centers.

As reported by Bloomberg, Mackey is listed as a partner in Healthy America. Since the start of the year, the company has raised $31 million in investments and will use the funds to continue leading its expansion in the industry.

Healthy America, described as an evidence-based lifestyle company that marries culinary, healthcare, and wellness, is based in Austin, Texas. It is home to other former Whole Foods associates including Chief Executive Officer Betsy Foster, who departed the grocery chain in 2020, and Walter Robb, former Whole Foods Co-CEO, is listed alongside Mackey as a partner.

Southern California is expected to be the home of the first Healthy America location, which will be established under the Love Life! brand name.

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