DALLAS-The Dallas/Fort Worth area added more new residents last year than any other metropolitan area in the country, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau. For grocers, that population growth translates into opportunity: more mouths to feed.

The Metroplex attracted nearly 147,000 people during a 12-month period starting in July 2008. Within North Texas, Rockwall, Collin and Denton counties are the fastest growing, along with cities on the western side of the Metroplex. Recent leasing and development activity for national grocery chains illustrates the phenomenal growth, according to Robert Young, managing director of brokerage services for The Weitzman Group.

In Collin County, for example, Whole Foods will open in The Village at Fairview in the second half of this year. And in Frisco, Kroger opened its first Kroger Marketplace in January. The 123,000-square-foot concept combines groceries and general merchandise departments.