Traverse City's Fresh Coast Market has received the Boar’s Head Market of Distinction national award, becoming just the third market in the Midwest to earn the designation.

The Market of Distinction award began in 2001 and has been awarded just 38 times in the last 20 years. Fresh Coast Market becomes the 39th market in the U.S. to earn the designation. “This award is the highest recognition that a market can receive," Boar's Head said in a statement. "The Market of Distinction award is given to only a handful of independent retailers to recognize and promote standards that epitomize the successful relationships between independent retailers and their independent local purveyors."

Jeff Schwartz, the Boar’s Head local purveyor who services Fresh Coast Market, says that owners Dave and Jen Sears “and their team at the store have been a valued partner with Boar’s Head Brand and have exceeded our expectations. Their innovation and dedication, combined with a passion for quality and exceptional customer service, are aligned with our 'compromise elsewhere' service model."

Fresh Coast Market will host a two-day community celebration to recognize the award on July 22 and 23 featuring family-friendly activities, samples, and free Boar's Head hot dogs.