There is good news for organic food fans in the Muncie area.  Fresh Thyme Farmers Markets will be building a new grocery store in Muncie.

The new Fresh Thyme market will open in early 2018, and will be built on McGalliard Road next to the Chick-fil-A.

(Graphic courtesy City of Muncie)

Currently, the closest Fresh Thyme markets to Muncie are in Fishers, Indianapolis, and Fort Wayne. The grocery chain sells numerous fresh and prepared organic foods, similar to its rivals Whole Foods and EarthFare.

The announcement of the development came in news release from Muncie Mayor Dennis Tyler, the Muncie Redevelopment Commission, the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance, Lauth Development and Mark Sturgis of ADM.

The project is a public/private venture with the Muncie Redevelopment Commission and the City of Muncie providing infrastructure improvements, paving the way for developers to commit to the project.

Officials say the Fresh Thyme project features a $9.3 million capital investment. The store will be 28,000 square feet, on five acres with access to the Cardinal Greenway.

Officials say 80 new jobs will be created with an average annual pay of $35,000.