Specialty grocery chain to open new stores, create hundreds of jobs

Sprouts Farmers Market, a fast-growing chain of specialty grocery stores, plans to open seven new stores in the first quarter of 2019, including locations in Clearwater and Naples.

According to a press release, Phoenix-based Sprouts — which has expanded to 300 stores in 19 states since it was founded in 2002 — will open a total of 30 new stores in 2019.

The Clearwater store will be at 23656 U.S. Highway 19 N., while the Naples store will be at 2224 Logan Blvd. N. Each new Sprouts Farmers Market will create approximately 140 jobs, the release states.

The other new stores to be opened in the first quarter of 2019 will be located in Carlsbad, Calif.; Fontana, Calif.; Las Vegas; Lynwood, Wash.; and Sugarland, Texas.