The Fresh Market, a supermarket chain headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, has been named the No. 1 store in the Best Grocery Store category of the 2026 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The company also secured first-place rankings in four specific sub-categories: Best Produce, Best Deli, Best Prepared Foods, and Best Bakery. Brian Johnson, the president and CEO of The Fresh Market, told Fox News Digital that the recognition stems from a combination of factors rather than a single element. Johnson has served as CEO for just over six years and expressed that he fell in love with the brand from his first day. He attributed the company's success to its team, stating that the work environment makes it easy to come to work every day. The Fresh Market operates more than 170 locations across 22 states. The chain was founded in 1982 by Ray and Beverly Berry, who were inspired by European food markets. According to the company's website, the original design aimed to provide an intimate and personalized shopping experience. The store emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients, prepared foods, and hospitality. Johnson highlighted the company's approach to meat preparation, noting that the team curates the freshest available products. He stated that every store employs multiple butchers who cut meat fresh in the store daily. This ensures that customers receive the freshest meat available when they make a purchase. Johnson also pointed to the availability of ready-to-eat meals as a key feature of the brand. He cited the company's mission statement, which is to make everyday eating extraordinary while keeping it easy. Customer feedback on the company's website reflects satisfaction with these offerings. One customer praised the variety of vegetables available in steam bags, noting that they are already prepared and that the produce area is always organized and free of spoiled items. Another customer specifically mentioned the Peppercorn Steak Market meal kit offered by the store. The Fresh Market has expanded its footprint recently, adding five new stores over the last year. Johnson indicated that plans exist for further growth in the future. Other major grocery chains also earned spots in the USA Today 10Best rankings. Publix, Kroger, and ALDI were all recognized in the list. Customers cited different reasons for their preferences among these competitors. Shoppers appreciated ALDI for its affordability, while Publix was noted for its cleanliness and friendly staff. Kroger was valued for its convenience and wide selection of products. Johnson expressed gratitude to the guests who voted for The Fresh Market in the awards process. He stated that the company does not take this recognition for granted and feels close to its guests, describing the relationship as being like family.