HOUSTON (Houston Business Journal) – After announcing last year it would open 30 stores in the Houston area, the first nine Aldi grocery stores are opening this week.

The Germany-based grocer is opening its first round of discount stores at the following locations:

2009 S. Mason Rd. in Katy
11510 Broadway in Pearland
2228 FM 2920 in Spring
10402 SH 6 South in Sugar Land
6900 FM 1960 East in Humble
5930 Fry Rd. in Katy
2045 N Loop 336 in Conroe
13340 Tomball Pkwy. in Houston
4140 Fairmont Pkwy. in Pasadena
The remaining 21 stores are expected to open within two years, creating 400 jobs.