VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Whole Foods Market is coming to Virginia Beach.

The natural and organic foods supermarket announced Thursday the opening of a new 40,000 square foot store located at 1800 Laskin Road at Republic Road in the Hilltop area.

"We are excited to have announced our newest location in Virginia Beach, VA. It is our desire to be part of communities enriched with great tradition and values," said Whole Foods Market Regional Vice President, Ken Meyer. "We can assure you that the residents of Virginia Beach will have the opportunity to shop in a store that is custom designed for them offering the highest quality natural and organic product while encouraging economic growth, job creation and community engagement. "

Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. added, "The fact that we have attracted one of the most coveted retailers in the country to our community validates our strategy for growth and sustainability."

The store is expected to open in early 2013. The location will be the largest Whole Foods Market in the region.

The only other Whole Foods location close to Hampton Roads is 142 miles away in Short Pump, right outside of Richmond.