MINOT, N.D. - A Minnesota-based food company says it will build five new grocery stores in the oil-producing region of western North Dakota.

The Minot Daily News reports that Coborn's Inc., of St. Cloud, Minn., is planning stores in Minot, Dickinson, Stanley, Tioga and Watford City.

Company president and CEO Chris Coborn says North Dakota is a prime market for expansion with the increased activity in the oil patch.

Coborn says his company will bring "new fresh food options to these rapidly growing communities."

Coborn's is an employee-owned grocery retailer with stores in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin.

The company operates stores under the Coborn's, Cash Wise Foods, Economart, Food Pride and Save-A-Lot banners.

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