4 CT Grocery Store Chains Make List Of Nation's Best, Including No. 1, According To USA Today

CONNECTICUT — A supermarket chain with a presence in Connecticut has been named the best in the country by USA Today readers.

That's right, The Fresh Market sat in the top spot in the USA Today's 2025 10 Best series of grocery stores.

In the Nutmeg State, The Fresh Market, has locations in Avon, Guilford, Westport and Wethersfield.

The Greensboro, NC-based company, which has 166 locations across 22 states, was singled out this way:

"The original Fresh Market was inspired by the food markets of Europe — a place where shoppers could have a more intimate and personalized experience than the warehouse-style supermarkets of the time. The Fresh Market now operates 166 locations in 22 states with a focus on fresh produce and private label items."

A Connecticut original, Stew Leonard's, along withy Aldi, which also has a strong presence in Connecticut, were ranked No. 5 and No. 7 on the list. Wegmans which has a location in Norwalk was ranked No. 10.

USA today said the following about Stew's:

"Founded as a small dairy store in 1969, Stew Leonard's is now known as the world's largest dairy store as well as a great grocer offering meats, fish, produce, baked goods, cheese, and wine. Its on-site costumed characters, entertainment, and animatronics led The New York Times to call Stew Leonard's the "Disneyland of dairy stores."

Aldi's billing is:

"How many other grocery stores can claim their own fan clubs? Consumers love Aldi's no-frills shopping that results in affordable prices, its large supply of fresh fruits and vegetables that are restocked every day, and the store's liberal return policy called the “Twice As Nice Guarantee.” Just be sure to bring your quarter for the cart and your own shopping bags."

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Wegmans:

"Devotees like the chain's prepared foods, one-stop shopping, seasonal fare, and its charitable community outreach programs."

Click here to see the full rankings.