Bristol Farms has collected a long string of accolades since its first store opened in 1982 in Rolling Hills, CA. Local media have given the Carson-based gourmet and specialty food retailer their "best" attribution, naming Bristol Farms the "best small market", with the "best deli", "best sushi", "best meat", and "best cooking school." In Zagat's most recent Marketplace Survey, Bristol Farms was rated the number one market in overall quality and service; stores were described as "a shopper's beautiful dream with wide aisles, helpful staff, and beautiful presentations."