Grocery stores in Springfield Missouri

It looks like Springfield won't be getting a new 'Fresh Market' grocery store after all. But, a similar higher-end natural foods retailer is stepping in to take over the half-built site on South Glenstone.

Fresh Market was planning to move into the brand new store being built at 3333 South Glenstone, which is the new Glenstone Marketplace shopping center. That company recently closed its other Missouri stores and took Springfield off it's 'coming soon' list.

Now, Boulder, Colorado-based Lucky's Market is announcing a move into the spot once it's finished in 2017. Lucky's bills itself as offering 'Organic for the 99%.'

The exact details of Fresh Market's exit and Lucky's entrance have not been released. The site, to the north of Target, was under construction for months; the foundation was completed and structural steel erected. However, work suddenly ceased at the site a few months ago and there has been little additional activity visible on the project.

Lucky's Market tells KY3 it will occupy 28, 000 square feet of space, which is slightly larger than what Fresh Market planned. Lucky's offers 'affordable' organic, natural, and locally grown items. The center will also have a bakery; in-house butcher department; a cafe; made-to-order ramen bar; and an apothecary department stocking natural remedies and health products, and mainstream medicine.

Customers will be able to sip a beer or glass of wine while doing their shopping.

The owners of the company offered their thoughts on coming to the Ozarks in a news release.

“We are thrilled to open a store in Springfield and bring more fresh, healthy foods at great prices to the area, ” said Bo Sharon, who founded Lucky’s Market in 2003 with his wife, Trish. “Lucky’s Market takes the price out of natural foods, and our shelves will be stocked with local, seasonal and top-quality products for the community to enjoy.”

Lucky's has stores across in eleven states, including three existing stores in Missouri: Columbia, and two St. Louis-area stores in Rock Hill and Ellisville.

Lucky's hopes to have its Springfield store open sometime in the third of fourth quarter of 2017. It expects to employ 150 people.