Wal-Mart, Publix, and other big-name grocery stores are nothing short of abundant in the Brandon area, so it comes as good news that The Fresh Market, a healthy, natural grocery alternative, is planning to open in the Tampa suburb in 2013.

Fresh Market officials have acquired a lease on a space at the Lithia Crossing shopping center in Brandon, located near the intersection of Lithia Pinecrest Road and Bloomingdale Avenue.

The new Fresh Market in Brandon will work as an anchor store amongst business neighbors including Stein Mart, Land and Sea Market, Cold Stone Creamery, and Panera.

This will be the third Fresh Market location to open in the Tampa Bay area joining their lineup of previously opened stores in St. Petersburg and South Tampa.  Fresh Market officials have also acquired a lease for a new store in Naples which will open in conjunction with the new Brandon location.

The Fresh Market is a specialty grocery store chain focused on a variety of fresh, natural, and organic groceries, prepared foods, craft beers, wine, and more.  Each store also offers a full-service butcher shop, fish market, bakery, produce and floral stands, and a delicatessen. Opened in 1982 in Greensboro, NC., The Fresh Market now operates 129 stores throughout 25 states including Florida, Georgia, California, and Texas.

We'll keep you posted as more news arises regarding the new Fresh Market opening in Brandon.