The Fresh Market opening store in Cedar Rapids

A specialty grocery store chain will soon add a Cedar Rapids location to its current 144 stores.

The store will open at 180 Collins Rd., across from Lindale Mall, sometime in 2014, the retailer said. This will be The Fresh Market's first Iowa location.

The company was founded in 1982 in Greensboro, N.C., and focuses on locally sourced products. The company operates in 26 states.

The announcement comes only months after New Pioneer Co-op, with locations in Iowa City and Coralville, took to members about the possibility of a third location. Cedar Rapids, where the co-op has 5,000 patrons, has been suggested as a possible site.

In an interview with The Gazette in June, New Pioneer Board President Sarah Walz said a third store in Iowa City or North Liberty might be an option. The board believes a new store could be supported anywhere in New Pioneer's trade area that also includes Marion and Cedar Rapids.

New Pioneer officials have not released any further information on expansion plans or board decisions. No opening date has been announced for The Fresh Market.