Hy-Vee to build Fast & Fresh mini grocery marts

West Des Moines, Iowa-based Hy-Vee is planning to open a 10,000-square-foot Fast & Fresh mini grocery store in Des Moines, reported The Des Moines Register yesterday. This format is more than double the size of typical Hy-Vee convenience stores and has more of a focus on fresh food.

The Fast & Fresh store in Des Moines will include a range of grocery categories, a Hy-Vee Market Grille Express, gas pumps and a coffee shop.

According to the article, Hy-Vee is also laying the groundwork for other 8,000- to 16,000-square-foot Fast & Fresh stores, including one in West Des Moines that is expected to have a drive-through coffee shop.

“This is a new concept for us as we look toward bringing more fresh, expanded offerings elsewhere in our eight-state region," Hy-Vee spokeswoman Tina Potthoff told The Des Moines Register.