Rapidly Growing Market Chain Reaches Green Bay Area

Fresh Thyme Farmers Market may be growing like a weed but that’s hardly the type of produce this health conscious food store offers at its newest location in Ashwaubenon.

Store Manager Chris Gilbert emphasizes that his store has its own unique layout and appeal but if you need a comparison he said it’s a cross between Trader Joes and Whole Foods.

“We focus on promoting healthy leaving choices,” he said. “We have a large variety of organic and natural foods.”

The store has considerably fewer rows of shelving than a conventional grocery store as vegetables take center stage with 400 bulk bin offerings.

Still the store covers 30,000 square feet and offers much of what you’d find at a food store. There’s a natural meat department, deli-to-go, bakery, dairy and frozen foods as well as its own line of organic and natural private label products.

“We have a good variety for those with special dietary needs,” Gilbert added. Fresh Thyme has now opened in more than 50 stores spread across 10 Midwestern states since its inception just three years ago. There were 20 new stores last year alone. The store has a goal of 70 stores by the end of the year.

Gilbert, who has 40 years of retail grocery experience, says Fresh Thyme fits his lifestyle with its emphasis on a healthy lifestyle.

“I think the community has been looking for something of this nature,” he said.