When asked to name America’s most beloved grocery store, many might think of a national chain like Costco, with its massive fanbase. However, a recent ranking has revealed that the top-rated grocery store of 2024 is a regional chain that many Americans may not be familiar with.
On September 12, USA Today unveiled the results of its annual 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, which ranked the top 10 grocery store chains in the United States.
Editors and a panel of experts first compiled a list of nominees, then allowed readers to vote for their favorite grocery chains. The surprising winner of the top spot? A Midwest regional chain called Hy-Vee.
Hy-Vee Takes The Top Spot
Hy-Vee, an employee-owned grocery chain, operates more than 285 stores across eight Midwestern states. According to its website, the brand is well-known for its friendly service and commitment to locally sourced produce.
This year marks the first time Hy-Vee has won the number one spot in the USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The chain had previously ranked second in 2023, behind The Fresh Market.
The editors at USA Today liked the Hy-Vee experience. Hy-Vee is employee-owned and has a slogan about smiling. There are over 280 stores in the Midwest. Hy-Vee gets fruits and veggies from local farmers. Many stores have salad bars and different types of food like meatloaf, Asian food, pizza, and fried chicken.
In addition to taking the top spot overall, Hy-Vee was also voted as having the best fresh produce and second-best prepared food options.
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The Fresh Market Follows Closely Behind
Following its 2023 win, The Fresh Market ranked second this year. While it may not have as many locations as some of its competitors, the chain has built a reputation for offering a unique shopping experience.
Based on European markets, The Fresh Market offers a cozy and customized shopping experience unlike big warehouse-style stores.
The first Fresh Market was based on European food markets. It offered a more personal and cozy shopping experience compared to big supermarkets.
This information is from USA Today’s top editors.Today, The Fresh Market operates 161 locations across 22 states, offering a variety of fresh produce and private-label items.
Other Notable Grocery Chains In The Top 10
Several other grocery chains made it into USA Today’s top 10 ranking. Heinen’s Grocery Store, Stew Leonard’s, Gelson’s Markets, and Aldi were among them. These chains are known for their fresh food, high-quality products, and commitment to customer service.
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Interestingly, major chains like Costco, Sam’s Club, and Walmart were notably absent from the top 10 rankings this year. Despite their widespread popularity and massive presence across the U.S., these warehouse-style grocery stores didn’t cut when it came to the top grocery stores of 2024.
A New Favorite Emerges
With Hy-Vee taking the top spot, it’s clear that a regional grocery chain can have just as much of an impact on customers as a national brand. Its focus on friendly service, fresh produce, and high-quality prepared foods has earned it a place as America’s best grocery store for 2024.
For those in the Midwest, Hy-Vee is a familiar and beloved shopping destination, but for others across the country, it may be worth a visit to see what all the hype is about.