Photo: Tony Crider/flickr

Ellwood Thompson’s, the Richmond-based independent grocery company, has signed a lease to set up shop in Rockville. The organic grocer, which will operate under the name “Dawson’s Market” in Maryland, is set to open at Beall Avenue and North Washington Street next spring.

Ellwood Thompson’s focuses on local sourcing for produce, products, and business needs—they even have their business cards printed in town. The grocer defines “local” as “within 100 miles” of the store, a far stricter definition than most of its competitors. The company is so obsessed with local, it once changed its store name from Ellwood Thompson’s Natural Market to Ellwood Thompson’s Local Market. Rockville residents will be able to enjoy a variety of groceries, prepared foods, and a hot bar fancy enough to rival Whole Foods.