WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Hy-Vee Inc. announced that it will be closing its Market Grille restaurants and will transition them into Wahlburgers restaurants by early summer.

The retailer operates Market Grilles in five states: Minnesota (nine locations), Iowa (six), Illinois (three), Missouri (two) and Nebraska (one). All of the restaurants are within or next to Hy-Vee stores, with direct access for ­customers.

Market Grille dining areas will remain open during the transition with a modified menu that includes breakfast, burgers, sandwiches and other specials, the company said in a statement. A full bar service will remain.

A franchise partner of Hingham, Mass.-based Wahlburgers, Hy-Vee will own and operate all of the converted locations, according to a Hy-Vee ­spokeswoman. Wahlburgers restaurants will be counter service.

Wahlburgers restaurants serve signature burgers as well as made-from-scratch recipes, homestyle dishes, fish, chicken and vegetarian options. They also house a full bar, including specialty drinks such as adult frappes and floats.

“Our customers are wanting more fresh and convenient meal options,” said the spokeswoman.

The Market Grille conversions, when completed, will give Hy-Vee 27 Wahlburgers locations overall. The spokeswoman said grand opening dates and details on the new Wahlburgers are ­upcoming.

The company also announced that it has acquired four QT convenience store locations in the Des Moines metro area, which were scheduled to open under the Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh Express brand on March 20.

Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh Express will have traditional convenience store offerings, as well as a variety of meal and snack options, including a fresh food express counter that will serve both breakfast and burgers, nori sushi, healthy home meal choices, Hy-Vee Short Cuts grab-and-go fruits and vegetables, fresh fried donuts, bakery options, and other food choices for busy customers. Each location will also have a wine and spirits section.

Fuel pumps are available for customers to fuel up and redeem their Hy-Vee Fuel Saver + Perks points.