North Carolina now has bragging rights to America’s best grocery store, according to a new national ranking. Greensboro-based The Fresh Market took the No. 1 spot in USA TODAY’s latest 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
The ranking began with grocery chains selected by an expert panel. Readers then voted on stores based on value, selection, service and the overall shopping experience.
The result puts a homegrown North Carolina company ahead of some of the nation’s biggest supermarket brands. The Fresh Market beat Hy-Vee, Lidl, ALDI and Publix for the top position.
The Fresh Market started with a European-market-inspired concept focused on a smaller, more personal shopping experience. Today, the company operates 172 stores across 22 states.
Fresh produce, specialty foods and private-label products remain central to the chain’s identity. The company has grown considerably while maintaining its headquarters in Greensboro.
Charlotte shoppers also have another reason to notice the rankings.
Wegmans Food Markets finished No. 8 nationally, giving Charlotte’s new Ballantyne store another major recognition. Wegmans has developed an intensely loyal following for prepared foods, seasonal products and extensive grocery selections.
The Ballantyne location brought the highly anticipated chain into Charlotte after years of requests from local shoppers. Its national top-10 finish places it alongside several familiar Charlotte-area competitors.
USA TODAY’s complete top 10 included:
- The Fresh Market
- Hy-Vee
- Lidl
- ALDI
- Albertsons
- Publix Super Markets
- Fresh Thyme Market
- Wegmans Food Markets
- Stew Leonard’s
- Kroger
Several chains on the list already have a substantial presence across the Charlotte region. Publix, ALDI and Lidl all operate numerous stores throughout the metro area.
The rankings also highlight how different grocery strategies continue attracting loyal customers.
ALDI earned praise for low prices and its no-frills format. Lidl combines competitive prices with private-label products and fresh bakery offerings.
Publix, meanwhile, remains known for customer service and clean stores. Wegmans has built its reputation around large selections and extensive prepared-food departments.
