NEW YORK — The National Association for the Specialty Food Trade has named its Outstanding Specialty Food Retailers of 2011.
Winners were nominated by NASFT members and range from a local cheese shop founded by a career changer to a specialty supermarket that has expanded to more than 100 locations without sacrificing its commitment to quality and customer service, according to the NASFT.
They are Central Market, Austin, Texas; Fromagination, Madison, Wis.; Olives Gourmet Grocer, Long Beach, Calif.; The Cheese Iron, Portland, Maine; The Fresh Market, Greensboro, N.C.; and ZZest Market & Café, Rochester, Minn.
“Each honoree exemplifies the hallmarks of specialty food retailing in a unique way,” said Ann Daw, president of the NASFT, in a prepared statement. “They all bring a passion for food, the customer, and the community to their work everyday.” Awards will be presented July 11 at the Summer Fancy Food Show in Washington.
