‘Best Grocery Store in America’ Opens 2 New Locations in Massachusetts

Two new Massachusetts locations of The Fresh Market, which has been voted multiple times as the best grocery store in America, are now open.Per the Boston Business Journal, the new Fresh Market locations are in Mansfield and Framingham. The grocery store first opened in 1982 in Greensboro, North Carolina by the husband and wife team of Ray and Beverly Berry. According to Fresh Market's website, the Berrys "were inspired to bring the charm and essence of an open, European-style food market to America" after they went on a trip to Europe. To replicate that same feel, they wanted to offer "the freshest produce, meats hand-trimmed by butchers in-store, fresh-cut flowers, and the finest foods and ingredients from around the world."Since first opening over four decades ago, The Fresh Market has expanded to 160 locations and has topped USA Today's readers' choice poll for best grocery store in America in 2021, 2022, and 2023. In 2024, The Fresh Market won three USA Today readers' choice honors: Best grocery store bakery, best grocery store deli, and best grocery store prepared food. Complete details about each new Massachusetts location can be found at TheFreshMarket.com. New England Chocolatier Opens Brookline Location Speaking of new businesses opening in Massachusetts: L.A. Burdick, the popular New England chocolatier, has opened a new location in Brookline, Mass. in Coolidge Corner.The Brookline location is the brand's seventh storefront with other locations in Boston, Cambridge, Walpole, Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C. Per L.A. Burdick's website, the Brooklin location features a variety of handmade chocolates, "from elegant bonbons to Signature Chocolate Mice and single-origin bars." The menu also offers artisan pastries, including Earl Grey Mousse Cake, butter croissants, and the famous Burdick Cookie. Rounding out the menu is a selection of drinks, including drinking chocolates and fresh roasted Devoción coffee. https://www.instagram.com/p/DDdcLx0vtpF/ NBC 10 Boston notes the shop has both counter and table service and a gift shop, so if you're struggling with coming up with a last-minute holiday gift, L.A. Burdick might be a great option.L.A. Burdick was founded in 1987 by Larry Burdick. According to the brand's website, Burdick is considered one of America's pioneers in the field of fine chocolate. He received his chocolatier training in Bern, Switzerland.The new Brookline storefront of L.A. Burdick is located at 1330 Beacon Street. Current business hours are Monday through Sunday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hours on Christmas Eve are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the store will be closed on Christmas Day. Beginning in mid-January, business hours will be Monday through Sunday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.