GFS Marketplace will break ground today on a new store in Evanston, bumping its number of locations in the greater Chicago area to 14.

The construction represents the first project in Evanston to align with environmental guidelines passed by city council members in 2009 and is slated to conclude in summer 2012, according to a news release issued Thursday.

“We are excited about becoming an important part of the Evanston community, and we look forward to our continued growth and commitment to the region,” Jay Zylstra, president of GFS Marketplace, said in the news release.

The food service store, to be opened at 2424 Oakton St., will also boost job prospects in Chicago’s suburbs, according to the news release.

“As a member of the community, we are pleased that we can create new jobs,” Zylstra said.

The groundbreaking ceremony, slated for 10:30 a.m., will feature a $500 donation to the Community Area Rescue Effort, an organization that helps procure homes for animals.

The marketplace company is the largest family-owned distributor of products to restaurants, schools and food service operators in the United States, according to the news release.

– Kimberly Railey