By CASSANDRA MICKENS / Associate Editor

NORTH SHELBY — Sprouts, an Arizona-based specialty grocer of natural and organic foods with more than 170 stores in the Southwest, will open a location at Brook Highland Plaza off U.S. 280 in May, according to a CoStar Group report.

The grocer has leased more than 23,000 square feet for its new location, according to CoStar.com. DDR’s Lauren Ball represented the landlord in the deal.

The Brook Highland location, at 5257-5267 U.S. 280, will be Sprouts’ first Alabama store.  A second store is planned for The Grove shopping center at Interstate 459 and John Hawkins Parkway in Hoover. The store strives to help customers “live a healthy lifestyle at an affordable price.”

“You’ll find mountains of fresh fruits and vegetables, barrels of wholesome grains, nuts and sweets, full-service deli, meat and seafood counters — complete with homemade burgers and sausages,” the company’s website reads. “Roam around our spacious aisles and you’ll find fresh baked goods, eclectic beer and wine, gourmet cheese, sensibly priced vitamins and supplements, and thousands of natural, organic and gluten-free groceries.”