Winner: Easy Way

If you drive past an Easy Way store and suddenly find yourself craving something fresh to eat, it isn’t just the ubiquitous orange building (psychologists say the color orange causes hunger); it is more likely what is inside the building that is triggering your appetite. The summer squash, Ripley tomatoes, fresh turnip greens or peaches and melons, maybe?

Begun in 1932 by Pete Carter with a flagship store on North Main (which is the only Easy Way that is a full-service grocery), the Carter family still owns and operates the Downtown location as well as the eight other produce stores.

Visit easywayproduce.com for store locations and hours.

Finalist: Fresh Market; Schnucks