Whole Foods Market in The Domain is finally opening after sitting empty for more than a year. Many events are planned in connection with the Jan. 15 debut.

The shell of the new Whole Foods Market Inc. in The Domain sat empty for much of 2013, but the store finally will open Jan. 15.

The organic grocer hopes the wait will be worth it for shoppers, who will experience some unique touches.

Here are some of the highlights:

• A recycled freight train shipping container has been converted into the Public Domain, an outdoor beer and bratwurst bar with root beer on tap
• Live music performance space
• A Texas Ramen venue, featuring Japanese noodles with a barbecue twist
• Eleven different seating areas, including a plaza with a fireplace
• The Draft Shack, an indoor oyster bar with 45 beers on tap
• Indoor meeting space for community groups

The 63,000-square-foot store will include several uniquely Austin artworks by Judy Paul, Austin Roadhouse Relics, Articulture and Austin Ion Art. The first 500 shoppers at 8 a.m. Jan. 15 will receive bags stuffed with Whole Foods’ in-house branded products.

The tenant improvements for the store were handled by White Construction Co., as was reported by the Austin Business Journal in August. A story from December 2012 outlines what delayed the store’s opening.