American Natural, which is opening in Middlesex Crossing on Thursday. It is submitted.

MIDDLESEX TWP — American Natural will secure its place as the first business to open in Middlesex Crossing when it holds its grand opening Thursday.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. by company officials; Jordan Grady, executive director of the county Chamber of Commerce; and Seth Prentice of Armstrong and the Rich-Mar Rotary will be followed by five days of themed activities for the public.

Andrea Feinstein, executive vice president at Cleopatra Resources, which owns American Natural, said the store will offer healthy, high quality and locally sourced on-the-go or dine-in meals and snacks that can be adapted for food sensitivities, traditional convenience store selections, and fueling bays at the new shop at the intersection of Route 8 and Overbrook Road.

Instead of stopping at a restaurant or store that has high-quality food, followed by a stop at a local coffee shop, followed by the gas station, those on their way to work or a meeting can swing by American Natural and get all of those things, said Feinstein.

“It's a new concept in the convenience store industry,” Feinstein said.

“We have created a point of intersection for people to have access to more real, local eating choices on the go,” she said.

She said eat-in customers can also stop at American Natural for a healthy breakfast, lunch or dinner, which they can order from a “host” or on a digital screen.

People with food sensitivities like nut allergies or intolerance to gluten or dairy also can find meals and snacks, Feinstein said.

All American Natural sandwiches can be made on a gluten free roll and pizza can be prepared on a gluten-free crust. Many prepackaged snacks are also available for those with gluten intolerance, she said.

The Middlesex Crossing store is the first of the company's five American Natural stores to offer self ordering on a digital screen for to-go or eat-in foods.

The store will also offer shelving with the typical items expected in convenience stores as well.

“You'll still be able to get a bag of Lay's potato chips or some beef jerky,” she said.

Feinstein said while morning customers at other American Natural stores mainly take advantage of grab-and-go items and lunchtime customers are a mix of to-go and eat-in customers, the other stores are often used by groups who come in for a bite and a short gathering.

She said a group of Girl Scout leaders hold their meetings at American Natural and a handful of teachers tutor students at the store after school in other locations.

Feinstein said the modern yet cozy atmosphere and decor make the store a welcoming place for the community to gather, whether casually or for a more official purpose.

“We are very welcoming to that community involvement,” Feinstein said.

Partnering with local companies is another goal of American Natural, and the Middlesex Crossing store will be no different, Feinstein said.

Coffee will be provided by Zeke's Coffee in East Liberty, tea by Tupelo Honey Teas of Millvale, and chocolate will come from the Speckled Hen in Saxonburg.

“We are proud to be offering a better venue for more customers to have access to her high-quality chocolates,” Feinstein said.

She said Butler County businesses have reached out to American Natural to sell specific items.

“You'll see more local components as we move into our location,” Feinstein said.

Unlike other American Natural stores, the Middlesex Crossing location will not offer fuel for vehicles that run on compressed natural gas, but that fuel could be offered in the future if the need presents itself, Feinstein said.

Raffles with $5,000 in prizes will be held at the new store for five days after the grand opening. The grand prize is a weekend at Nemacolin Resort in Fayette County.

Various themes, like wine tasting or breakfast, will be held each day for a week after the grand opening as well.

American Natural stores also are in Wexford, Gibsonia, Harmar Township and Mars. Another store is under construction in Cranberry Township at the intersection of Route 19 and Freeport Road.

Daily themes to celebrate the opening of American Natural in Middlesex Crossing include:- Thursday — Bringing Together the Tastes of Pittsburgh, where customers can sample and learn about local companies that will partner with American Natural. Speckled Hen Chocolates, Zeke's Coffee, Tupelo Tea and others will offer samples.- Friday — Find your ideal breakfast, where breakfast items will be available for sampling.- Saturday and Sunday — Neighborhood Rewards. Customers will receive $1.50 off any in-store purchase of more than $5, excluding fuel, lottery and tobacco products. Various snack samples will also be available.- Monday — Chef Sampling, lunch and dinner. Samples of sandwiches, salads, pizzas and soups will be offered from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.- Tuesday — Raffle and grand prize drawing.