Fresh Thyme Farmer’s Market

Fresh Thyme Farmer’s Market is a specialty grocery chain that focuses on fresh, natural, and organic foods, serving communities across the Midwest. The company was established in 2012 and opened its first store in Mount Prospect, Illinois, in 2014. Backed by Meijer, Inc. since 2014, Fresh Thyme quickly grew its presence, reaching a peak of 77 stores in 2021. As of November 2025, the company operates approximately 70 locations in ten Midwestern states, including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Over the past five years, Fresh Thyme has shifted from rapid expansion to a more measured approach. Since 2022, the company has slowed new store openings, concentrating instead on optimizing existing stores and selectively pursuing opportunities in high-growth suburban areas. Its current growth efforts are focused on key markets such as Chicago, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, St. Louis, and Columbus. This strategy reflects a commitment to long-term stability and adaptability in a competitive grocery landscape.

Fresh Thyme stores are typically smaller than traditional supermarkets and are designed to create a farmers market feel, with an emphasis on produce, bulk foods, and locally sourced products. The company is not a franchise operation and manages its real estate decisions from its headquarters in Downers Grove, Illinois. Supported by the operational expertise and financial resources of Meijer, Fresh Thyme maintains a credible and stable presence as an anchor tenant in neighborhood and power centers. The brand continues to evolve by investing in omnichannel capabilities and community engagement, responding to changing consumer preferences while maintaining its core focus on fresh and natural foods.