These Top Grocery Chains Are Missing from Most of New Jersey

What makes a grocery store popular? It’s not just about low prices or how many aisles it has. It’s about how a place makes you feel when you walk through the doors. A truly popular grocery store finds a way to make the weekly food run feel less like a chore and more like something you actually enjoy doing.

Convenience is huge.

People love stores that are easy to get in and out of. Good parking, smart layout, and quick checkout lines make a big difference. If you can grab what you need without wandering aimlessly or waiting forever to pay, you’re more likely to come back. Bonus points if the store has curbside pickup or delivery that actually works.

gopixa

Then there’s selection.

A popular store knows what people want. It carries basics like milk and eggs, but also offers things that are a little more fun. Think specialty cheeses, unique frozen meals, or snacks you didn’t even know you wanted until you saw them on the shelf. It’s about variety without being overwhelming.

Friendly staff also play a big role.

People remember the cashier who greets them with a smile or the worker in produce who helps pick the best avocados. That personal touch keeps customers coming back.

Cleanliness and organization matter too.

No one wants to push a sticky cart through cluttered aisles. Stores that feel fresh and well-stocked instantly earn trust.

Minerva Studio

YOU'LL ALSO LIKE: Why NJ's "Best" Grocery Store Has Locals Laughing

Finally, the vibe counts. Music, lighting, and samples all help set the tone. Some stores feel cold and sterile. Others feel warm, familiar, and even a little exciting. When a store manages to combine that comfort with great value, it gets a loyal following.

Food & Wine has released its 2025 list of America's favorite grocery chains based on customer satisfaction. They analyzed more than 7 million Google reviews of 3,000 individual grocery stores in 100 cities to find out which ones get high scores for customer service, food, quality, prices, and checkout line speed.

Interestingly, New Jersey has only four of the top 10 most popular grocery stores. Did your favorite make it to number one?

2025's Most Popular Grocery Chains in America

A report from Food & Wine reveals the best grocery store chains in the U.S. based on customer satisfaction. Here's a look at the top 10.

Gallery Credit: Matt Ryan

LOOK: 50 Famous brands that no longer exist

Stacker compiled a list of more than four dozen famous consumer brands that no longer exist, consulting sites such as TheStreet, Good Housekeeping, and Eat This, Not That!, along with numerous throwback sites dedicated to consumer brands.

Gallery Credit: Liz Barrett Foster