FORT WORTH—Fort Worth is finally getting an Eatzi's Market & Bakery of its own.

The Dallas-based upscale grocery and prepared-foods store has been eying growing Cowtown for a while, and has finally pulled the trigger on a lease at University Park Village.

The store, according to its broker CBRE|UCR, will open in the late part of 2016 or early 2017 in a highly visible end-cap spot along University Drive, one block south of Interstate 30.

Reps from CBRE|UCR exclusively tell GlobeSt.com that the grocer will take the currently-occupied Chili's space, once that restaurant ends its lease.

“This is a pivotal location for a lifestyle concept like Eatzi's which offers high-quality, fresh, prepared foods,” says Greg Pierce, senior vice president with CBRE|UCR. “It's one of the best locations in all of Fort Worth, right in the heart of an affluent, densely-populated area. The location offers ample parking, patios and great visibility to University Drive.”

The store, which also has locations in Plano, Grapevine, Highland Park and Uptown/Oak Lawn, launched its first concept in 1996. 

“The Eatzi's brand will be well served by joining a number of high-profile, culturally-pervasive retailers at UPV,” says Pierce. “This is a concept that will extend the visits of the great customer base that currently shops at UPV, and will bring a new clientele as well.”