NORMAL - A North Carolina-based specialty grocery plans to open its first Central Illinois location at the former Cost Plus World Market site.

The Fresh Market plans to open late this year in the 18,000-square-foot location at 200 N. Greenbriar Drive.

"We are excited about our expansion in the Midwest, and in Illinois in particular," said Randy Kelley, senior vice president of real estate and development for The Fresh Market.

The store aims to provide perishables, prepared foods, bakery and grocery items in a gourmet, European-style market setting.

This will be the company's fourth location in Illinois. It already has stores in Geneva, Kildeer and Wilmette, all in suburban Chicago.

"We look forward to building on the success of our three Chicago-area locations, where we have enjoyed a strong and loyal customer base, and to providing customers in the Normal and Bloomington areas with the same unique shopping experience," Kelley said.

The company began in 1982 in Greensboro, N.C. The family-owned, private company now has 86 stores in 18 states, most in the Southeast, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic.

Cost Plus World Market was at the location for six years, before closing in 2008.