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

Coborn’s Incorporated of St. Cloud, Minnesota 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 Minnesota, the Dakotas, Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin.

Coborn’s opened its first North Dakota store in Jamestown earlier this year. The company operates stores under the Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Economart, Food Pride and Save-A-Lot banners.