WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Heartland Pantry, Hy-Vee’s new small-store concept, celebrated its grand opening in Lincoln, Neb., on Tuesday.

Hy-Vee this spring said it would open a small store in Lincoln’s University Place neighborhood after the local community protested the closure and relocation of an existing Hy-Vee store there. The 27,000-square-foot store takes it name from a chain of convenience stores that Hy-Vee previously operated and sold in 1999.

The store is less than half the size of a Hy-Vee’s typical combination store and is stocked with essential items with an emphasis on private-label goods, according to reports. The retailer is planning to open another location of Heartland Pantry in Des Moines.

Read More of Today's Headlines