5 IL Grocery Store Chains Make List Of Nation's Best

ILLINOIS— There are hundreds of grocery store chains across the United States, but only 10 of them made USA Today's list. The select few were nominated by an expert panel and chosen by readers.

Five of those chains have locations in Illinois: Heinen's at No. 8, Aldi at No. 7, Fresh Thyme Market at No. 3, Hy-Vee at No.2 and The Fresh Market, at No. 1.

The Fresh Market topped the list as it 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," according to USA Today's 10Best.

The chain now operates 166 locations in 22 states. The Fresh Market has eight stores in Illinois.

Discount grocer Aldi is known for its no-frills shopping experience that keeps prices low. The stores also restock fresh fruits and vegetables every day and feature a liberal return policy known as the "Twice As Nice Guarantee," according to the survey. Aldi has 216 stores in Illinois.

Here's the full top 10 list:

1. The Fresh Market
2. Hy-Vee
3. Fresh Thyme Market
4. Natural Grocers
5. Stew Leonard's
6. Gelson's Market
7. ALDI
8. Heinen's Grocery Store
9. Publix Super Markets
10. Wegmans Food Markets

Check out the full article at USA Today 10Best.