BELLEVUE — Town & Country Markets Inc. purchased Matthew’s Fresh Market in the Lakemont neighborhood Feb. 1.

The purchase brings to six the number of stores owned by Town & Country in the Puget Sound area. Its other stores include Town & Country on Bainbridge Island and Central Market in Poulsbo.

The majority of Fresh Market employees will continue to work in the store, according to a press release from Town & Country.

“The new owners will make minimal changes to the store’s operations during the first few months as they get to know the staff, customers and community,” the press release reads. “A new name for the market has not yet been decided.”

“We are delighted to welcome Matthew’s Fresh Market to our family of stores,” said Bill Weymer, CEO of Town & Country Markets. “It’s an honor to have this opportunity to build on Craig and Carrie’s legacy, work with the market’s team and become part of the Lakemont community. This is a great fit for us all.”

Steve Snyder, Matthew’s Fresh Market store director, concurred.

“All of us at Matthew’s are excited to be joining Town & Country,” he said. “T&C shares similar values to Matthew’s with regards to caring for people, contributing to community and acting with integrity. This is indeed a win-win all the way around.”