DOWNERS GROVE, IL - Fresh Thyme Farmers Market has no plans of slowing down its rocket-speed growth anytime soon, announcing 10 new store openings slated for 2018, along with entering into its 10th state—Pennsylvania. Since opening its doors in 2014, Fresh Thyme has built up a coalition of 66 locations throughout the Midwest, and has plans to hit a 150-store mark by the year 2020.

"From acquisitions and mergers to shifting consumer habits, 2017 was marked by significant changes, and the grocery and food retail industries continue to be ever-evolving," said CEO Chris Sherrell in a press release. "We enjoy the challenge this brings and work hard to continuously improve our shopping experience."

The Daily Herald reports that the additional 9 store locations are planned for Evansville, Indiana, Ames, Iowa, and beyond.

"As a three-years-young company, we're extremely proud of our 5,000 employees and the communities we serve throughout the Midwest," Sherrell continued. "Over the past year, we’ve made significant hires at the executive level, further developed our private label offerings, and continued to support the organizations that matter most to our communities. We’re excited for 2018 and all that is in store."

2017 marked a flurry of changes for the retailer in flux. In addition to Scott Schuette being promoted to Vice President of Produce, Carol Okamoto joined as Chief Financial Officer in March, and Mark Doiron was brought on as Chief Merchandising Officer in May. Schuette came to his produce role with 33 years of retail experience, including time with Bashas, and Okamoto and Doiron bring three decades of experience to the retailer as well. Just last month, Fresh Thyme also welcomed Dean Little as Chief Operations Officer, giving his 40 years of industry experience new life in. The following other new roles were highlighted in the release:

• Amy Parker as Vice President of Marketing
• Art Scott as Senior Director of Marketing
• Kerry Clifford as a in-house registered dietitian
• Meghan Sedivy as a in-house registered dietitian

Now with stores in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, and soon-to-be Pennsylvania, AndNowUKnow will be keeping a close eye on this one to watch for 2018.

Fresh Thyme Farmers Market