Fresh Market CEO talks aggressive expansion, culture turnaround, IPO outlook
By Lloyd Whittington
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Jul 7, 2026

Competition remains stout in the grocery sector, but Brian Johnson has guided The Fresh Market through growth in its store count and in its reputation since taking the helm of the Greensboro-based chain less than 18 months ago. The grocer has opened four stores in 2026, and was selected earlier this year as one of the nation's most trusted companies by Newsweek.

It ranked number 12 among grocery and convenience stores, the highest ranking in any category of any company headquartered in the Triad. That rank, along with consistent high marks from USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards, is in stark contrast to 2018, when the company was ranked as one of the worst companies to work for by business website 24/7 Wall Street.

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