Center Store

NEW YORK — Whole Foods is becoming the latest retailer to offer in-store bars, according to published reports.

USA Today reported that the chain opened a bar selling local wine and craft beer at its flagship store in Austin, Texas, as well as stores in California, Arizona, Illinois and other states, with plans to open at least seven more bars by 2012. The article quoted CEO Walter Robb as saying it was a response to customers coming out of the recession and wanting affordable luxuries.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — If you’re looking for some comedic relief this summer, let Louis C.K. headline in your own home with Season 1 of “Louie,” the FX comedy TV series starring Louis C.K. as a successful stand-up comedian and newly single father raising two daughters in New York.

PURCHASE, N.Y. — PepsiCo has appointed Maura Abeln Smith as its new EVP government affairs, general counsel and corporate secretary, effective May 5.

Smith, who now will be responsible for the company's worldwide legal function and government affairs organization, succeeds current EVP Larry Thompson, who is retiring from the company.

Prior to this position, Smith served for eight years as SVP, general counsel, corporate secretary and global government relations of International Paper. She has worked as a corporate attorney for more than 30 years, Pepsi said.

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Upper Deck will unveil its latest innovation this spring.

New Evolution video trading cards will make their appearance in the 2011 Upper Deck football collection, which will be released April 12.

Four standout gridiron stars comprise the initial unveiling of the Evolution inserts: running back Adrian Peterson, quarterback Tony Romo, wide receiver DeSean Jackson and hard-hitting linebacker Patrick Willis. Each of the booklet-type cards measure in at the same height (3.5 in.) and width (2.5 in.) as a regular trading card, Upper Deck said.

CLEVELAND — American Greetings is making kids' birthday cards extra special with its Surprise Inside line.

Each Surprise Inside card features a surprise gift pouch that the child can open to reveal a small toy that coordinates with the card's theme, the company said. A sticker reveals to the sender what the secret gift will be.

COVINGTON, La. — Winn-Dixie’s chairman, president and CEO, Peter Lynch, calls them “state of the art.” The company’s VP pharmacy, John Fegan, calls them “transformational.” They’re talking about the Jacksonville, Fla.-based supermarket chain’s glitzy new prototype store, an upscale and eye-popping showcase for everything from locally sourced foods to gluten-free and specialized dietary offerings.

PRINCETON, N.J. — Arm & Hammer's gel laundry detergent is celebrating its first birthday and has invited parents to share messy first birthday moments for a chance to win a dream birthday party for their child.

Arm & Hammer Power Gel is sponsoring a contest where through June 15, parents can upload an unforgettable, messy moment from their child’s first birthday, along with a caption, to PowerGelParty.com.

SEATTLE — A lot of convenience stores sell beer, but one in Seattle has found an interesting way to draw customers with quaffable brews, according to a published report.

In a first-person article, Seattle Times reporter Tan Vinh wrote Tuesday that Super Deli Mart is hosting craft beer tastings, featuring pints for $3 and growler refills for $10, which customers can fill at in-store taps. The store also features “brewery of the week” events in which brewers sign bottles for customers.