First, they broke ground in Brandon. Now, Genghis Grill is expanding its Tampa Bay ties by heading to Northdale.

The Mongolian stir-fry restaurant plans to open before Thanksgiving at 3805 Northdale Boulevard across the street from where a Whole Foods Market is being built, said Jim Kovacs, a broker who represents the restaurant.

"It's a healthy casual dining alternative, and the food is fresh and prepared to order for each individual customer," he said. "Food is prepared on a massive grill in the middle of the restaurant."

Kovacs said customers can choose their own protein and vegetables, and have it prepared with white or brown rice or noodles.

Construction began about two weeks ago at the Northdale restaurant, Kovacs said, with restaurant officials hoping to open a new location in Tampa Bay every six months.

The Northdale location was chosen as the restaurant's second in Tampa Bay for a few reasons, Kovacs said.

"Carrollwood, Northdale, Lutz and Land O'Lakes, all of those markets around there are good family neighborhoods," he said. "The demographics show there are a lot of young families with good education and income levels. Those are the types of people we think would appreciate a healthier dining option."

An organic food chain opening across the street was a draw, too.

"The Whole Foods customer," Kovacs said, "is the Genghis Grill customer."

Do you plan to go to Genghis Grill when it opens in Northdale? Tell us in the comments.