3 MD Grocery Store Chains Make List Of Nation's Best

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.

Three of those chains have locations in Maryland: Wegmans at No. 10, Aldi at No. 7, 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 five stores in Maryland.

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 70 locations in Maryland.

Started in 1916 in Rochester, New York, Wegmans has expanded its footprint significantly in recent years with over 100 stores in nine states. Customers in the survey liked the prepared foods, one-stop shopping, seasonal fare, and the chain's charitable efforts. Wegmans has nine stores in Maryland.

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.

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