Fresh Thyme Market

We’re excited to unveil our second annual 2025 Food Trends Report. In partnership with SPINS, we’ve identified the top 10 trends that will shape how our Midwest communities shop and eat in the new year. Backed by our dedicated team focused on curating a diverse selection of high-quality local and national products, Fresh Thyme continues to be a go-to destination for innovation in the grocery space. From functional ingredients like probiotics and colostrum to the bold flavors of spicy global cuisines, 2025 is all about flavor, health and supporting local! This year’s standouts include adaptogenic mushrooms in everything, the rise of mango mania, a surge in non-alcoholic beverages and growing interest in sustainable, upcycled ingredients. Dive into the full report below to stay ahead of the trends and see how Fresh Thyme is leading the way in healthy, delicious options. https://lnkd.in/gNsgQ5gH 

We just wrapped up our annual Fresh Thyme Connect event, bringing together store directors, regional teams, support office staff, and leaders from across Natural Living and Grocery. From hands-on training and educational sessions to previewing exciting holiday merchandising and marketing plans, FTC 2024 was a hub for innovation and engagement. Our teams connected with leading brands, explored new products, and celebrated our shared commitment of Quality, Experience, and Community. It was an incredible few days of learning, collaboration, and aligning on our shared purpose to connect and inspire a healthier future. We are grateful for everyone’s contributions and excited for what’s ahead as we continue driving positive change in the grocery industry.

We’re excited to share that Fresh Thyme Market President Liz Zolcak recently joined the TWIG Podcast to discuss how we’re staying ahead in the evolving healthy market space! Liz highlighted our future-forward strategy, built on our pillars of Quality, Experience, and Community. From curating the perfect assortment for our customers to creating a fun and engaging shopping experience, we’re committed to delivering excellence at every step. As we celebrate Fresh Thyme’s 10th anniversary, Liz also shared how we’re deepening our community connections and supporting local vendors, all while planning for the next decade of success. Tune in at the link below to hear more about how Fresh Thyme is leading the way in health and wellness—now and in the future! https://lnkd.in/e3crC8A8

We are excited to announce the winner of Fresh Thyme's 10th Birthday Cake contest: Crystal Stanley, owner of Crystal Kitchen in Bloomington, IL! After tallying thousands of votes from across all 70 of our stores, Crystal's "Morning Glory" cake stood out for its exceptional creativity and dedication to healthier ingredients. Crystal will receive $5,000 and mentorship from a panel of industry experts to help grow her budding small business, Crystal Kitchen, plus a $5,000 donation made in her honor to the Eastern Illinois Food Bank. At Fresh Thyme, our commitment to investing in our communities is at the heart of everything we do. This dedication is exemplified by our support for Crystal and reinforced by our vital partnerships with local food banks. These collaborations are essential to us, enabling us to make a positive impact in the communities we serve. As we celebrate our 10th birthday, we extend heartfelt gratitude to every member of the Fresh Thyme family for their hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our mission. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. https://lnkd.in/gfDsc9TV

We're thrilled to announce that Fresh Thyme Market’s very own Liz Zolcak has been named one of the Top Women in Grocery for 2024 at the senior-level executive by Progressive Grocer! As the first woman to hold the position of President at Fresh Thyme, Liz has collaborated with leaders over the past two years to drive our future-forward strategy focused on Quality, Experience, and Community. This award highlights Liz’s visionary leadership, tireless efforts, and unwavering dedication to Fresh Thyme’s success—starting with our incredible team, united in our purpose to connect and inspire healthier futures for our customers and each other! Explore the full list in the link below! https://lnkd.in/eMC4PeBy 

At Fresh Thyme Market, our mission is to transform the way our communities eat by providing fresh, local, and affordable options. That’s why we are excited to announce our partnership with the FMI- The Food Industry Association for Family Meals Month this September. Partnering with FMI Foundation is a natural fit, as both our organizations share a commitment to fostering healthier families and communities through nutritious, shared meals. Together, we’re dedicated to making wholesome, delicious food accessible for every family, every day. To find out how you can join the movement, check out the link below. More to come in September! https://lnkd.in/eT9_Uqt 

A big thank you to everyone who joined Fresh Thyme Market’s birthday bash this past Saturday at all of our stores across the Midwest. The day was filled with fun, delicious samples and community spirit as we celebrated a decade of freshness. We were so excited for everyone to try our three finalists' better-for-you cake recipes from our cake contest, plus other samples from local vendors. Stay tuned for the announcement of the winner in July. We are grateful for your continued support and look forward to many more years together! 

This past Wednesday, Crystal Stanley, the talented owner of Crystal Kitchen and one of our 10th birthday cake finalists, was featured on WMBD. She shared delicious baking tips, the inspiration for her entry, plus how consumers can sample the wonderful creations of all three finalists this Saturday at every Fresh Thyme Market store from 11 am to 2 pm. If you're looking to taste how wonderful these three cakes are, drop by and cast your vote! As an added treat, each vote will also count as an entry into a raffle for a chance to win a $100 Fresh Thyme Market gift card. Check out Crystal’s full segment below! https://lnkd.in/eQsXyXn7 

Exciting new product news! Fresh Thyme Market is now featuring Spicekick, a delicious product created by a local RD, chef, and business owner Michelle Dudash. Check out her fantastic TV segment with @Indy Now discussing Spicekick’s journey. We're honored to support local talent and feature their innovative creations on our shelves, furthering our commitment to our community and local values. Come taste the local flavor at Fresh Thyme Market today! https://lnkd.in/g_cjX-By 

Recently, our team had the pleasure of attending the Making It In Michigan show, and it was a day filled with inspiration and connection. Rebecca Stephens, MBA, Local Program Manager shined bright during a panel discussion, offering insights on how local vendors can thrive and earn their place on our shelves. After the discussion, we explored the trade show, discovering promising new local vendors. We had the honor of presenting the "First Thyme at Fresh Thyme" award to Wani Cakes, a fantastic local cake company, securing them a spot on our shelves. It was a fantastic experience, reinforcing our commitment to supporting local businesses and communities. Looking forward to more events like this!