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How Westlake is growing: New openings include Planet Fitness, Aldi store and more

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 12:13 GMT by Palm Beach Post
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Westlake Welcomes New Aldi Grocery Store, Planet Fitness, and Tractor Supply as Local Economy Grows

By [Your Name] – Palm Beach Post

A wave of new retail and fitness opportunities is set to transform Westlake’s commercial landscape this fall, as the county’s newest Aldi grocery store, a Planet Fitness franchise, and a Tractor Supply Co. location all prepare to open their doors. The trio of businesses promises to boost local employment, expand shopping options, and provide fresh amenities for the growing community. According to the Palm Beach Post’s detailed coverage, each development is part of a broader plan to modernize Westlake’s downtown core and to cater to the increasingly diverse needs of its residents.

Aldi’s Big-Box, Budget-Style Grocery Store

The most headline‑grabbing addition is the Aldi grocery store slated to open on September 19 at the corner of Westlake Boulevard and Pinecrest Road. This new store—Aldi’s 18th location in the Palm Beach County area—will cover roughly 48,000 square feet and bring the German‑based discount chain’s efficient shopping model to a previously underserved region.

“We’re excited to bring Aldi to Westlake,” said City Manager Lisa Thompson at a press conference in the city’s administrative building. “The store will create 45 full‑time jobs, plus part‑time opportunities for students and retirees. That’s a meaningful boost to our local economy.” The store’s leadership, including Aldi’s regional manager, Mark Rivera, highlighted the chain’s focus on affordability and sustainability. Rivera noted that the Westlake location will use solar panels on its roof and a state‑of‑the‑art cold‑storage system that reduces energy consumption by 15% compared to older facilities.

Aldi’s menu typically emphasizes staple items—fresh produce, meats, dairy, and pantry essentials—plus a rotating selection of local specialties. Residents have expressed enthusiasm for the store’s “one‑stop” concept. “I’ve lived here for 12 years, and I’ve been waiting for a discount supermarket,” said longtime Westlake resident Maria Lopez. “This will be a huge convenience for families.”

The city’s zoning approval came after a series of community consultations, which addressed parking, traffic flow, and environmental impact. The Aldi site includes a 300‑spot parking lot with dedicated loading zones, designed to minimize congestion during peak hours. In addition, the store will feature a new “Aldi’s Kids Zone,” an area dedicated to educational activities for children while parents shop.

Planet Fitness Expands Health & Wellness

Adding a layer of fitness infrastructure, Planet Fitness recently signed a lease for a 25,000‑square‑foot location on East 1st Street, next to the new Aldi store. The gym is slated to open in early October, offering members a full‑service fitness center that aligns with the franchise’s “Judgement‑Free” philosophy.

“We’re thrilled to bring Planet Fitness to Westlake, especially in conjunction with a major grocery destination,” said Planet Fitness franchisee Alex Chen. “Our mission is to provide an affordable, welcoming space for people of all fitness levels to achieve their health goals.” The new location will feature state‑of‑the‑art equipment, a cardio corner, a free‑weights area, and a dedicated group‑exercise studio. Additionally, the gym will offer yoga and Pilates classes, spin sessions, and a nutrition hub that collaborates with Aldi’s produce team to provide healthy meal‑planning advice.

Planet Fitness’s local opening is expected to create 12 full‑time staff positions, from trainers and receptionists to maintenance workers and nutrition consultants. The company’s marketing strategy emphasizes “no‑judgment” pricing—$34.99/month—making it a highly affordable option for the community.

Local businesses have noted how the new gym can synergize with the Aldi store. “We can collaborate on community health challenges, like a ‘Buy a Pack of Fresh Produce, Attend a Fitness Class’ promotion,” suggested Westlake Community Center director Karen McIntyre. “It’s a great way to encourage healthy lifestyles.”

Tractor Supply Co. Brings Rural and Urban Shopping Together

While the retail and fitness sectors receive the lion’s share of attention, the newly announced Tractor Supply Co. is quietly carving out a niche in the heart of Westlake. The 45,000‑square‑foot store, located at 300 Westlake Drive, aims to serve both urban shoppers and the county’s agricultural community. The store will sell hardware, gardening supplies, pet products, and a range of home improvement items.

Tractor Supply’s president for Florida, Jenna Davis, stated, “We’re excited to bring a full‑service supply store to Westlake. The location will cater to homeowners, farmers, and hobbyists alike.” The store is set to open its doors on September 27, bringing an estimated 20 full‑time jobs to the area.

Tractor Supply’s unique partnership with Aldi is also noteworthy. The two stores will jointly offer a “Farmers’ Market” event on the first Saturday of each month, featuring locally sourced produce, artisanal meats, and craft goods. The event is expected to draw a mix of Westlake residents, weekend shoppers, and regional visitors, fostering a sense of community and local pride.

The city’s mayor, James Ramirez, praised the partnership. “Having a grocery store, a gym, and a supply center all within walking distance creates a self‑contained community hub. It’s a smart, forward‑thinking investment in Westlake’s future.”

Economic Impact and Community Response

City officials estimate that the trio of new businesses will generate roughly $2.4 million in annual payroll, an uptick that will ripple through local services and suppliers. The development has also prompted discussions about public infrastructure upgrades, such as widening East 1st Street and improving street lighting to accommodate increased pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

Resident feedback has been largely positive. “It’s great to have more shopping options,” said new Westlake resident Tyler Jensen, who recently moved from Boca Raton. “Having a grocery store, a gym, and a hardware store right next to each other makes my life so much easier.” However, a small segment of the population expressed concerns about potential traffic congestion and parking shortages. In response, the city council approved a plan to add a new multi‑level parking garage adjacent to the Aldi site, which will provide an additional 400 parking spots and accommodate future growth.

Aldis’ opening also aligns with a statewide initiative to expand grocery access in underserved areas. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture, the new store will be eligible for a 2% tax credit for the first three years of operation, designed to encourage low‑cost food options for residents. The state also plans to allocate grants for community outreach programs that promote nutrition education in partnership with local schools and health organizations.

Looking Ahead

The Westlake area is positioned for continued transformation. With the imminent opening of Aldi, Planet Fitness, and Tractor Supply Co., residents can anticipate a more vibrant, integrated community that blends commerce, health, and lifestyle. City officials are already scouting for additional retailers and service providers to further enrich the local economy.

As the Palm Beach Post monitors the progress of these openings, it will continue to highlight how such developments contribute to a stronger, more connected Westlake. The new Aldi grocery store, the welcoming Planet Fitness gym, and the versatile Tractor Supply Co. collectively underscore the county’s commitment to fostering accessible, high‑quality services that support both the well‑being and prosperity of its residents.