mcbrooklyn: Brooklyn Heights Gristedes Opens With a Bang

The totally rebuilt Gristedes supermarket at 101 Henry Street in Brooklyn Heights reopened in a glorious fashion Friday morning with a VIP party and actual VIPs!

John Catsimatidis, chairman and CEO of Gristedes Foods (above), Brooklyn BP Marty Markowitz (below), Councilman David Yassky, and State Senator-elect Daniel Squadron and various store managers were among the ribbon-cutters.

Half of Brooklyn Heights enjoyed free breakfast as delicious nibbles -- including fruit, bagels and lox, fresh-baked muffins and free coffee -- were generously handed out.

Neighborhood shoppers' reactions were generally awestruck. The store appears to be much larger than before last April's disastrous fire, owing to a new traffic-flow design, and the shelves are stocked with fresh, clean items. Service, at least Friday morning, was cheerful and polite. The produce department is particularly impressive, fully stocked with fresh and organic greens.

There are many more choices for carnivores than before as well -- the poultry department now carries Murray's and Coleman's organic chicken.

The store has new freezer units, stocked with Lean Cuisine and other convenience foods. The deli looks pretty awesome.

One drawback is the prices. We had to notice that many of the items that we generally buy seem to be about a dollar more at Gristedes than at Key Food or Trader Joe's. This probably won't deter many North Heights shoppers, especially if Gristedes keeps the store clean, the shelves stocked with fresh items and the service friendly, but it might hurt them with South Heights customers who are closer to the other stores.

But we commend Gristedes on a job well done. The supermarket is completely rebuilt, modern clean and friendly. The large amount of organic items is a big plus. The greens look scrumptious. And Lydia is back!

mcbrooklyn

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Saturday, November 22, 2008

Brooklyn Heights Gristedes Opens With a Bang

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