If you've never shopped at this beloved Midwestern grocery store, it might be time to start
New Poll: This Is the No. 1 Grocery Store in America
Published on Oct. 10, 2024
No matter where you live, chances are, you’ve found your favorite grocery store. We all have that one supermarket we love—we know the layout by heart, and it carries all of our favorite products by all of our go-to brands.
But out of the hundreds of grocery store chains spanning the United States, it’s undeniable that some have amassed a larger loyal following than others. And while there’s a lot to love about many of the country’s top grocery stores, USA Today set out to determine which one can truly be called America’s favorite.
Read on to find out America’s favorite grocery store, along with the runners-up.
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How was the study conducted?
To find out which of the many grocery stores in the United States is the best of the best, USA Today assembled a panel of specialists, including journalists, food and wine experts, travel experts and a professional chef. The newspaper also gave readers the opportunity to vote on their favorite store, basing their decision on grocery store value, selection and customer service.
The final outcome was determined by a combination of expert insight and reader feedback.
Which grocery store earned the top spot?
With over 280 locations spanning the Midwest, Hy-Vee earned the title of the best grocery store in America. One reason why: Hy-Vee’s 280 stores are owned by its employees.
What makes Hy-Vee so popular?
One visit to Hy-Vee is all it takes to discover why the grocery chain is a favorite of shoppers and experts alike. The store is brimming with freshness, from the expansive salad bar to the abundance of bright and colorful produce. The meat counter is another fan favorite.
Shoppers love Hy-Vee’s staple prepared foods, which are available at its many food counters, including fried chicken, Chinese food and meatloaf, just to name a few. Some stores even have a dine-in option, which is perfect for those inevitable occasions when you go to the grocery store hungry. (We’ve all been there!) When the holidays roll around, Hy-Vee’s catering department takes the reins with full-course meals, so you can enjoy home-cooked food without having to do any of the cooking, which is just one of many go-to supermarket tricks.
The store is known for its catchphrase, “a helpful smile in every aisle,” which speaks volumes about the emphasis Hy-Vee places on customer service. Judging by its newly earned title, the store does a great job of upholding its values.
If you don’t have a Hy-Vee near you, sit tight. The Iowa-based chain is in expansion mode and added 22 new stores this year.
Which other grocery stores round out the top 10?
While Hy-Vee earned the title of the best grocery store, other beloved grocery chains also ranked in the top 10:
- Hy-Vee
- The Fresh Market
- Heinen’s Grocery Store
- Stew Leonard’s
- Gelson’s Markets
- Aldi
- Publix
- Trader Joe’s
- Wegman’s
- Fresh Thyme Market
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Source:
- USA Today 10Best: “10 best grocery stores in the US that you need to check out”
