Grocery shopping shapes more than the weekly dinner menu. It influences household budgets, family traditions and the way communities connect with local food businesses. From regional supermarkets and specialty markets to discount chains and large retailers, each shopping experience offers a different balance of value, convenience and selection. The Best of the Best Reader's Choice Awards recognizes grocery stores that serve the diverse needs of the region's shoppers.
Kroger's history began in Cincinnati in 1883, when Bernard Kroger opened a grocery store with a commitment to quality and value. More than a century later, the company operates supermarkets across the country, including multiple locations serving the Ohio Valley. Kroger distinguishes itself through its combination of traditional supermarket departments, private-label products and digital shopping tools. Its Simple Truth line emphasizes products with particular ingredient and dietary attributes, while Private Selection offers specialty foods and premium options. The Kroger Plus loyalty program provides access to digital coupons, fuel rewards and personalized promotions. Online ordering and pickup services also reflect the company's investment in making grocery shopping more flexible for busy households.
Federico Foods represents the independent side of Steubenville's food retail community. Located along Sunset Boulevard, the business offers a local alternative to the large supermarket chains that dominate much of the grocery industry.
Few grocery names have the same regional history as Riesbeck's, a family-owned supermarket company with roots dating to 1925. Its stores serve communities across eastern Ohio and neighboring areas, including Follansbee, West Virginia. Unlike national chains headquartered far from the region, Riesbeck's has built its identity around the communities of the Ohio Valley. Traditional service departments, including its meat counter, deli and bakery, reflect the company's full-service supermarket approach. The business has evolved over generations while maintaining its regional character. For Follansbee shoppers, Riesbeck's represents a longstanding grocery tradition connected to the area's commercial and family life.
Efficiency drives the shopping experience at ALDI, whose discount grocery model differs noticeably from conventional supermarkets. The company keeps its product assortment relatively compact and relies heavily on private-label merchandise to control costs. Its Steubenville location follows the brand's familiar approach, including a refundable quarter deposit for shopping carts and a system in which customers bag their own purchases. The rotating ALDI Finds section adds an element of discovery, introducing limited-time specialty foods, seasonal products and household merchandise. These operating choices support ALDI's emphasis on competitive pricing without requiring customers to navigate an enormous store.
The defining feature of Walmart Supercenter is its ability to combine grocery shopping with an extensive range of everyday retail needs. At the Steubenville location, customers can move from planning meals to purchasing clothing, electronics, cleaning supplies or home furnishings during the same visit. Walmart's scale allows the company to offer its Great Value brand across numerous food categories, giving shoppers alternatives to nationally advertised products. Its online ordering system integrates groceries with other merchandise, while pickup and delivery options add convenience where available. The Supercenter model particularly appeals to households looking to consolidate errands and manage purchases across several departments.
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