Farm Burger

A grass-fed burger with arugula, pickled beets, and goat cheese at Farm Burger. (Antoinette Bruno/StarChefs.com)

A grass-fed hamburger joint with locations in Georgia, California and North Carolina will launch its first Alabama restaurant in Huntsville.

Huntsville commercial real estate firm RCP Companies announced this morning Farm Burger will arrive this fall at The Shops at Merchants Walk, an outdoor shopping center under development on the northeast corner of Bob Wallace Avenue and Memorial Parkway.

Farm Burger, which specializes in grass-fed beef and pasture-raised meats, will join Whole Foods Market, Spa Sydell, The Masters Salon, Maki Fresh Sushi Rolls and Japanese Grill, Mountain High Outfitters and Orangetheory Fitness at the $50 million development.

"It will be a one-of-a-kind dining experience for our health conscious community and add much to the growing list of tenants at The Shops At Merchants Walk," said RCP spokeswoman Lindsay Harper.

Founded by Jason Mann and George Frangos in 2010 in Decatur, Ga., Farm Burger builds relationships with local farms to provide high-quality produce, dairy and meat to customers. In addition to dry-aged, antibiotic- and hormone-free burgers, the eatery offers salads, fries, seasonal sides, milkshakes, beer, wine and more.

The Huntsville store will span approximately 3,000 square feet when it is completed, officials said.

"As we have looked to grow Farm Burger outside Atlanta, we have looked to find cities with great traditions and culture and are excited to be part of the Huntsville community, as well as its community of farmers and producers," Frangos said.

Whole Foods, which specializes in natural foods free of artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, preservatives and hydrogenated fats, is on target to open at the project later this year. Spokeswoman Darrah Gist said the chain will announce an opening date about three weeks before the store launches.

RCP Companies is also involved in the downtown CityCentre at Big Spring, a $70 million mixed-use project at the former Holiday Inn near Big Spring International Park. The company purchased CBL & Associates Properties' portion of Madison Square Mall in April, but has not announced any plans for the site.