ShopFair Supermarkets is opening its fourth location in the Far Rockaway community in spring 2024, officials announced on Wednesday, Jan. 4.
According to The Arker Companies and Slate Property Group, ShopFair Supermarkets signed a 25-year lease agreement to open a 27,676-square-foot store at Edgemere Commons, a mixed-use development. The lease represents the developers following through on their commitment to deliver a supermarket to the community as a part of Edgemere Commons, an area that is considered a food desert.
In January 2022, The Arker Companies and Slate Property Group broke ground on the first phase of Edgemere Commons, which in addition to the new supermarket will deliver 194 affordable homes, including 59 with supportive services. Upon completion, Edgemere Commons will offer over 2,000 affordable homes, retail, community space, medical facilities and outdoor public space.
“From our first meetings with community members, we knew that creating a development that met the needs of Edgemere residents meant delivering a quality grocery store,” said Dan Moritz, principal at The Arker Companies. “The addition of ShopFair to Edgemere Commons will help eradicate a food desert and make healthy, nutritious food more accessible for the community.”
David Schwartz, principal at Slate Property Group, said the announcement brings them one step closer to helping revitalize the Edgemere community and turn the vision of Edgemere Commons into reality.
“ShopFair is a grocery store that the Far Rockaway community already knows and loves, and we’re looking forward to its grand opening next year,” Schwartz said.
Greg Parassio of Booth Capital Advisors represented ShopFair Supermarkets in the deal.
Anibal Rodriguez, owner and operator of ShopFair Supermarkets, said ShopFair is excited to bring a fourth location to the Far Rockaway community.
“We’re thankful to the whole Edgemere Commons team and Greg Parassio at Booth Capital Advisors for helping make this happen, and we can’t wait to see the excited faces of community members when they walk through our doors,” Rodriguez said.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. and Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers thanked the developers for delivering on their commitment to opening a new ShopFair in the community.
“The signing of a lease for a supermarket in Edgemere Commons is a major milestone in the effort to create a first-class, affordable, mixed-use development in the Rockaways,” Richards said. “The days of the Rockaways being a food desert are coming to an end, as this supermarket represents a significant investment in the fight against food insecurity. Thank you ShopFair Supermarkets, and welcome to the neighborhood!”
According to Brooks-Powers, every community deserves high-quality, affordable food options.
“We know there is a correlation between chronic diseases and the lack of nourishing food options. With today’s announcement I am excited our community will welcome a new supermarket, which will greatly benefit the residents of this development and the greater Rockaway community,” Brooks-Powers said.
