Fresh Thyme Farmers Markets Plans Aggressive Midwest Rollout

Fresh Thyme Farmers Markets, a new specialty grocer featuring healthy and organic value-priced offerings, announced that the Midwest chain will open more than 60 new stores and create approximately 5,000 new jobs throughout the Midwest over the next five years. 

The company’s first market will open in Mt. Prospect, Ill., this spring, followed by eight more grand openings throughout the remainder of 2014.

“Fresh Thyme Farmers Markets will be a completely new grocery format for the Midwest,” stated Chris Sherrell, president and CEO, Fresh Thyme Farmers Markets. “We’ve taken the experience of an outdoor farmers market and combined it with the convenience of a full-service grocery store. Shoppers will enjoy value-priced natural and organic items throughout our store, making healthy food more attainable to the masses.

“Our markets answer the Midwest’s demand for fresh, healthy, natural and organic food, all at great prices, in a convenient and inviting format,” added Sherrell. “We’re excited to bring the farmers market concept to the area and create 5,000 new jobs in the next five years.”

The heart of Fresh Thyme Farmers Markets’ 28,000-square-foot stores will be produce, including locally sourced and organic fruits and vegetables. Additional features of the markets include more than 400 bins of natural and organic bulk items, and small-batch locally roasted premium coffee beans; a butcher shop featuring all-natural handmade sausage made daily in-store; specialty items such as gluten-free and dairy-free products; a full dairy section, which sources local Midwest items; and grocery and frozen food items.

There will also be Fresh Thyme Kitchen featuring healthy prepared salads and meals as well as a full salad bar, made-to-order sandwiches, and a bakery featuring artisan breads. 

The Hops & Grapes department will offer an expansive selection of wine and local craft beers, and there will be more than 7,000 varieties of vitamins, supplements and natural body care products.

“We look forward to building long-standing community relationships and partnerships throughout the Midwest,” Sherrell said. “We’re grateful to have already received a very warm welcome and overwhelming enthusiasm from our communities.” 

Stores are planned for Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin.