By Anthony Payero
(NEW YORK) After the Astor Place Kmart shut down earlier this year, the supermarket chain Wegmans was revealed to be the next business to occupy the space. The market is scheduled to open in Manhattan in 2023, according to AM New York.
Wegmans Food Markets said Thursday that the chain will open its doors at 770 Broadway in Greenwich Village. The supermarket signed an agreement with Tramsformco to buy out Kmart's lease and started a new long-term lease with Vornado, which was brokered by RIPCO Real Estate.
The supermarket chain first appeared in New York City with a location at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in 2019.
“We are so excited to bring Wegmans to Manhattan. This is something we’ve been dreaming about and working toward for a long time,” said Colleen Wegman, president and CEO of Wegmans Food Markets. “The community’s response to the opening of our Brooklyn store had an excitement and energy that you can only experience in New York City. You can feel that energy returning to the city, and we are thrilled to be a part of it.”
“Wegmans has been a reliable partner in our Brooklyn community since day one, from local hiring of NYCHA neighbors to feeding first responders at the height of the pandemic,” said Lenny Singletary, Chairman of Community Board 2 Brooklyn. “I’m confident Wegmans’ commitment to community will serve their new neighbors in Manhattan well and foster a positive experience.”
The market's 30-year lease will allow the chain to use the street and lower levels of 770 Broadway, which includes an estimated 82,000 square feet and takes up a full city block between 8th and 9th Streets and Broadway and Fourth Avenue.
“We are delighted to be part of bringing the beloved Wegmans to Manhattan,” said Steven Roth, Vornado’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Wegmans is one of a kind and will be a best-in-class addition to Manhattan, both for the local neighborhoods and as a destination for residents from across the island. We look forward to partnering with Wegmans’ talented team on the opening of this signature location.”
The new Wegmans location is scheduled to open in the second half of 2023, per AMNY.