The Fresh Market Named Best Grocery Store in America

The Fresh Market has been recognized as the best grocery store in America, according to the 2026 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The Greensboro, North Carolina-based company also secured first-place honors in the Best Produce, Best Deli, Best Prepared Foods, and Best Bakery categories.

Brian Johnson, president and CEO of The Fresh Market, expressed enthusiasm for the recognition, attributing the win to a combination of factors. "I really fell in love with the brand [from] day one," Johnson stated. "It makes it really easy to come to work every day. We have a great team here."

Johnson, who has led the company for over six years, highlighted the store's commitment to quality and customer experience. The Fresh Market operates more than 170 locations across 22 states. Founded in 1982 by Ray and Beverly Berry, the supermarket chain was conceptualized to emulate European food markets, aiming to provide a more personal and intimate shopping environment.

The company emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients and prepared meals, coupled with a strong focus on hospitality. "When you buy a fresh product from us, you can be assured that our team has curated only the best, the freshest produce, the freshest-cut meat," Johnson explained. "We cut meat fresh in our store every day." He added that each store employs multiple butchers to ensure the freshest meat available.

The Fresh Market's mission is to make the everyday eating experience "extraordinary and easy," a sentiment echoed by customer testimonials. Shoppers have lauded the variety of ready-to-eat options, such as pre-portioned vegetables in steam bags, and the consistently organized and fresh produce sections. The Peppercorn Steak Market meal kit was also specifically mentioned by customers.

In the past year, The Fresh Market has expanded its footprint with five new stores, and further growth is planned. Other notable grocery chains recognized in the USA Today rankings included Publix, Kroger, and ALDI. Customers cited Publix for its cleanliness and staff, Kroger for its convenience and product selection, and ALDI for its affordability.

Johnson extended his gratitude to the customers who voted for The Fresh Market, stating, "We really don’t take that for granted, and we really appreciate that… We feel very close to our guests. It’s kinda like family."