Tops Marketplace was established in 1951 and is a locally-owned, independent supermarket based in Connecticut. Tops has a reputation for offering high quality meats, prepared foods, sushi bar and a wide assortment of natural and specialty foods. In 2003, Tops earned the IGA International Retailer of the Year award and earned a 5-star rating in 2002. While Tops has received accolades on a national level, they are even more proud of their reputation for supporting their community on a local level. Tops offers "big supermarket savings", but on a personalized level and within a smaller footprint than the box stores.