The Fresh Market, headquartered in downtown Greensboro, has been ranked “The Best Supermarket in America” for 2021 by USA Today.
The ranking comes from a USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
The Fresh Market was founded in 1982 by Ray and Beverly Berry, and the first store opened at the intersection of Lawndale Drive and Pisgah Church Road, based on the idea of emulating the charm of a European-style fresh food market.
President and CEO of The Fresh Market Jason Potter in a press release said, “Out of the hundreds of supermarkets in America, we are thrilled to be voted number one. Over the last year, we have immersed ourselves in achieving our goal of becoming one of America’s Most Loved Brands and this award proves that customers are recognizing our improvements and we greatly appreciate their business and support.”
Potter added, “This achievement is a true testament to our team members who offer impeccable guest service every day. We’re looking forward to continuing our mission of offering the highest-quality fresh food and creating the best experience for our guests in 2021 and beyond.”
The Fresh Market currently operates 159 stores in 22 states across the US, focusing on fresh produce and private-label ingredients.
The Fresh Market beat out Midwestern based Hy-Vee which, was ranked No. 2, and Lidl headquartered in Germany, which ranked No. 3.
Publix, which is currently building a major distribution center in East Greensboro, ranked No. 7.
In 2019, at a historic joint meeting of the Greensboro City Council and the High Point City Council, both city councils voted to offer economic incentives of up to $301,000 each to keep The Fresh Market corporate headquarters in Guilford County.
The incentives were based on The Fresh Market creating 53 new jobs and retaining 248 jobs at the corporate headquarters.
Following the approval of the incentives, The Fresh Market announced its decision to remain in Greensboro.
That is good news..I had heard they were going out of business..
The Fresh Market was the first “date” I took my to-be Greensboro native husband on many years ago. I had moved to Greensboro in 1978 from Petaluma, CA and one of the changes I needed to adapt to was the loss of the variety of FRESH vegetables that had been so easily available there. When the Fresh Market opened I was one happy camper and it became my go-to store for veggies, fruit, and cultural foods I was used to. The Fresh Market caused other stores to carry Mexican and Chinese foods in their stores that I hadn’t been able to find before and brands that were familiar from stores in CA. I loved their low lighting, calm music, and atmosphere which lured me in when I felt rushed or migraine coming on. Their bakery items and chocolate offerings were amazing, but the best was the fresh, crisp, vegetables and fruits that were sold. To see REAL
artichokes and avocados from the Central Valley again was the highlight of each trip. So, of course, The Fresh Market is No. 1. I’ve known that since 1982.
They may have gotten the “best” award, but they are “much” more expensive than other grocery stores. When I want groceries, I want options and low prices, not ambiance.
Costco is moving the same way. They only sell over-priced organic eggs, I have no choice if I don’t wish to pay for something that means virtually nothing. Can’t buy hamburger patties either, only bulk. When I asked why, I got a non-answer. Store is full of items you can’t price.
I enjoyed it more before it went public although I understand why the change occurred. I do not buy all my groceries there because of the prices but I do have my standard items I get there. The experience is usually pleasant and enjoyable, unlike the regular stores.
“pleasant and enjoyable?” Fresh Market si, Big Wally no.