Natural and organic foods retailer Earth Fare will open its first metro Birmingham location in Hoover next week.

The company, which

on Galleria Circle next to the Riverchase Galleria shopping mall, will hold its grand opening on May 30 at 8 a.m.

Earth Fare, founded in Asheville, N.C., nearly 40 years ago, sells a wide variety of fresh, all natural and organic foods.

It does not sell items that contain high fructose corn syrup; hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils (added trans-fats); artificial colors, preservatives, flavorings or sweeteners; antibiotics, synthetic growth hormones or animal by-products in feed; and bleached or bromated flour, which contains additives.

The Hoover store will include antibiotic- and hormone-free meat, poultry and seafood departments, a cheese department, a bakery and a body and supplement department. Ready-to-go meal options will include handmade sandwich and pizza stations, as well as sushi, a hot bar and a prepared food case.

Earth Fare has more than 25 stores across the Southeast and Midwest, including Alabama locations in Auburn, Huntsville and Montgomery.

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in the Birmingham market.