Best grocery store? This NC-based chain ranks No. 1 in US — and tops 5 categories
A North Carolina-based grocery chain ranks No. 1 in the nation — and tops five other supermarket categories.
The Fresh Market was named the grocery store that customers love the most. Fans also propelled the chain to reign supreme in several shopping-related categories on the list from USA Today’s 10Best website:
- Best grocery store produce
- Best grocery store bakery
- Best grocery store prepared food
- Best grocery store deli
- Best grocery store loyalty program
“Since there is a staggering number of grocery stores, food markets, and butcher shops across the country, we assembled an expert panel to narrow the field and nominate the markets that they think stand out the most,” the website wrote in its Sept. 10 report. “They made nominations — across each of eight categories — that are worthy of recognition for their loyalty programs, diverse selections of goods, friendly customer service, and quality items.”
After editors reviewed the nominations, members of the public could spend a month voting on their favorite supermarkets. On the resulting list of readers’ choice award winners, The Fresh Market led six of eight categories.
Why The Fresh Market ranks No. 1
The Fresh Market was named a fan favorite after it topped three of six categories on last year’s 10Best list. The Greensboro-based chain is making its mark decades after it launched in 1982, according to its website.
“The original Fresh Market was inspired by the food markets of Europe — a place where shoppers could have a more intimate and personalized experience than the warehouse-style supermarkets of the time,” 10Best wrote, adding that the chain now runs more than 150 stores across 22 states.
When it comes to produce, The Fresh Market was praised for having plenty of fruits and vegetables to choose from. The chain also received nods for its bakery and prepared food items, ranging from fruit tarts to grab-and-go pizzas.
“The Fresh Market is committed to offering a vast selection of natural and organic products,” 10Best wrote. “And that focus carries to the deli department, where shoppers can order deli meats, see natural chickens roasting, peruse specialty cheeses, grab some ready-made sides, and order party platters with sandwiches, wraps, and meats and cheeses.”
Rounding out the list of honors for The Fresh Market was its No. 1 ranking in the loyalty program category. 10Best said the platform offers perks for users, including discounts and a birthday gift.
Other chains with a North Carolina presence — including Aldi, Harris Teeter, Lidl, Publix, Sam’s Club, Wegmans and Whole Foods — earned recognition across the 10Best categories. The website has told McClatchy News it doesn’t share the number of people who vote in its contests.
