Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, the U.S. unit of Britain's biggest grocery retailer, plans to open four stores in the Sacramento area, according to liquor license applications with the state.

The Sacramento locations named in the filings include 3311 Northgate Blvd. and 3615 Bradshaw Road. Two Folsom sites, 25000 Blue Ravine Road and 9522 Greenback Lane, also are cited in documents obtained by the Sacramento Bee.

Fresh & Easy spokesman Brendan Wonnacott declined to say when the stores would open.

The stores combine the elements of a traditional grocery store and a convenience store. At about one-fifth the size of a supermarket, they emphasize fresh items, take-home meals and private label goods with a limited selection of national-brand merchandise.