The Fresh Market has earned the top spot among grocery stores in the 2026 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The supermarket chain, headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, secured the honor after customers cast their votes.

The company did not stop with the main prize. It also finished first in the Best Produce, Best Deli, Best Prepared Foods and Best Bakery categories, giving the chain recognition across several major areas of its stores.

Brian Johnson, president and CEO of The Fresh Market, expressed enthusiasm about the results. He said the success could not be traced to a single feature, instead pointing to the combination of the company’s products, employees and shopping experience.

Johnson has served as CEO for just over six years. The Fresh Market currently operates more than 170 locations across 22 states, and it added five stores during the past year.

The company was founded by Ray and Beverly Berry in 1982. According to its website, European food markets inspired the concept, which was designed to provide a more "intimate and personalized shopping experience."

Fresh ingredients, prepared foods and hospitality remain central priorities for the organization. The company also takes pride in product quality and the experience customers encounter while moving through its stores.

"I really fell in love with the brand [from] day one," Johnson said. "It makes it really easy to come to work every day. We have a great team here."

Johnson emphasized the attention given to fresh products, including produce and meat. He said customers can expect items selected and prepared by store teams, with meat cut fresh inside each location every day.

"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 said. "We cut meat fresh in our store every day."

Each store has multiple butchers on staff, according to Johnson. He said that staffing allows customers buying meat from The Fresh Market to receive the freshest options available from its stores.

Ready to eat meals also play a prominent role in the company’s approach. Johnson described the guiding goal directly, saying, "Our mission statement is to make the everyday eating experience both extraordinary and easy."

Customers highlighted that convenience while praising the supermarket’s selection. One shopper specifically pointed to the vegetables sold in steam bags, noting that they were already prepared and available in a broad variety.

The same customer praised the condition and presentation of the produce department. "Not a single spoiled thing in sight," the shopper wrote, according to the company’s website.

Another customer singled out the Peppercorn Steak Market meal kit sold by The Fresh Market. The praise for prepared options echoed Johnson’s focus on making meals easier while maintaining the company’s emphasis on the overall eating experience.

The chain’s recent expansion has added five locations to its fleet over the last year. Johnson said The Fresh Market also has plans for further growth in the future, building beyond its existing presence in 22 states.

Other supermarkets recognized in the USA Today 10Best rankings included Publix, Kroger and ALDI. Customers praised different strengths at those chains, showing the range of qualities shoppers considered when discussing their preferred grocery destinations.

ALDI received appreciation for affordability, while Publix was recognized for cleanliness and friendly employees. Shoppers cited Kroger for its convenience and wide product selection.

Johnson thanked the guests who voted for The Fresh Market and stressed the company’s connection with its shoppers. "We really don't take that for granted, and we really appreciate that ... We feel very close to our guests," he said.

The collection of first place finishes gave The Fresh Market recognition for both its overall grocery experience and specific departments. Its produce, deli, prepared foods and bakery offerings all joined the chain’s main Best Grocery Store victory.