Sunflower Farmers Market to open stores in California

New York City -- Sunflower Farmers Market, which operates value-priced organic and natural food grocery stores, is opening its first store in California.



Sunflower currently operates 32 stores in six Southwestern states. The chain, which focuses on offering fresh local foods at affordable prices, was founded in 2002 by Mike Gilliland, who helped start the Wild Oats chain that was later bought by Whole Foods Market.



The first California site, in Roseville outside of Sacramento, will open in April. The company also plans to add a site in San Jose.