The folks at Schnuck Markets bill themselves as “The friendliest stores in town,” but they may be selling themselves short. One look at its Des Peres and downtown St. Louis flagships reveals that Schnucks also operates the trendiest, most innovative and architecturally striking stores in town.

Through its support of the Salvation Army, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and numerous other charities, Schnucks is among the most generous and community-minded employers in town. And suppliers rave about the 106-unit chain’s honesty, integrity, work ethic and civic pride. To help spur redevelopment in beleaguered downtown St. Louis, this August Schnucks opened Culinaria—a new urban concept that is breathing new life downtown and serving as an anchor for the new condos being carved out of old office buildings, warehouses, department stores and lofts.

The chain is also known for treating its employees, or “teammates” as it refers to them, very well; Schnucks has one of the lowest turnover rates in the industry.