By Gus Saltonstall
Han’s Fruit & Vegetable Market, which has served customers on the Upper West Side for more than 45 years, will close permanently at the end of April.
The family grocer at the corner of West 93rd and Broadway will shutter on April 29, Joo Han, the second-generation owner of the store, confirmed to West Side Rag.
“These days business is terrible, it’s worse than during COVID,” Han told the Rag. “I don’t know if it is just me or other markets too, but more than 40 years our store has been here, and I’ve never seen it like this.”
“People’s lives, the rhythm, of working hours, it all has changed, their shopping mentality has changed. It’s funny, I don’t know where they’re shopping because I talk to my wholesalers and they say even the big name supermarkets in the neighborhood are not doing as well as they used to,” he added.
Han said the closure comes from the falling business numbers and not being able to work out a new lease with their landlord. He also pointed to the longtime fruit stands that have set up shop for years near the store, including one less than a block away at West 94th Street.
“We can’t compete price wise with somebody that’s not paying rent,” Han added.
The store has been part of Han’s life since he was a child, when his family emigrated to New York City from Korea and struck out to start their own business.
Han’s parents, Moon Nam Han and Ok Kum Han, opened the store’s first location at West 92nd Street and Broadway in 1978. It was a time when the Upper West Side was still considered a dicey area by many New Yorkers.
A year and a half after the original opening, Han’s father was able to secure the bigger storefront at the present day location and they moved the business a block uptown. Joo was nine.
“You know everyone in my family helped out here on the weekends when we were young,” he said.
After a year spent living in Elmhurst, Queens, the family moved to the Upper West Side to be closer to the store. Han attended P.S. 75, between West 95th and 96th streets, before then going to St. Hilda’s and St. Hugh’s on West 114th Street.
“I’m an Upper West Side transplant kid,” Han said with a chuckle.
The store remained an important part of Han’s teenage and college years, but it was not always his future. He went to art school and took a job designing logos for major universities.
But when his father died in 1991 Han returned to the store on a more regular basis to help his mom.
When she died in 1998, he came back to take over the family business and has not left since.
It has remained a family affair in the decades since. Han runs the business with his wife Jenny, whom he met in the store, and at various times his brother-in-law Danny and his brother, Tommy.
Longtime employees have also become like family members. Lorenzo Galvez, who mans the cashier, has worked at the store for more than 30 years. In recent years, his son Rodrigo has also joined the team. And Fernando Castaneda, who’s usually outside with the flowers, has also worked at Han’s Family Market for more than 20 years. Han said he is trying to help all three find new jobs.
There were roughly 2,500 Korean groceries in New York City in 1995, selling snacks and sodas but also fresh fruit and vegetables. A decade later, that number had fallen to about 2,000, and while there is not an up-to-date count, it has continued to slide in recent years, according to the New York Times.
“Oh my gosh, the Upper West Side customers have been the greatest source of my life,” Han told the Rag. “They’ve been such a big part of my life over the past 30 years, I’ve seen a lot of kids grow up in front of me.”
At the same time, he noted something of a silver lining. “I haven’t had a vacation in seven years, so there is a little sense of relief,” he said.
Han and his wife Jenny have both already found new jobs in other lines of work, but the closure of the store does mean that they will have to downsize from their New Jersey house.
“We’ve lived in that house for 20 years, I raised my kids in it, so there are a lot of fond memories,” he said. “I guess once we downsize, I’ll get used to it.”
More than anything, Han said that the enjoyment of the daily work was the community.
“The good thing about it is the people that do come in and treat us like family, like friends,” Han said. “They know our names, we know most of theirs. We’re small so we can talk to the customers. Get to know them.”
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End of an era! Best of luck to Han and his family. I hope they will still spend time in the neighborhood they helped cultivate over so many years.
I feel the same, exactly.
Been there hundreds of times.
Like the owners and workers, and the products and the vibes.
Our loss – big time!
Good luck to us all, but it’s getting uglier by the day every time a place like this closes.
I am absolutely gutted to read this 🙁 The #1 place in the neighborhood I’ve always hoped would hang on
So so sad!! 😔
Fantastic wonderful people. This neighborhood for sure will not be the same.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Oh, we have lost many beloved neighborhood establishments, but none that, to me and others, is as important as is Han’s. I am gobsmacked and heartbroken.
We are there almost every day! I cannot imagine our world without Hans for so many reasons.
One of my favorite stories is about how kind the original Mr. Han was. Years ago, I was looking for a cab when he was driving by in his car. He stopped and offered me a ride. Now, how many people you shop with not only remember you, but would stop and offer you a ride?
It is one of the few places that had reasonable prices, friendly staff and open when you needed them.
To say they will be missed is to put it mildly. Wishing the family and the workers all the best.
Best of luck to the family. I am no longer in NYC but I have fond memories of buying first of the season daffodils there every year for a couple decades. I see from the photo that they are there now!
Bau Wau!
The City has done everything to help restaurants particularly allowing the free dining street shacks.
But the City has done Zero to help small shops and businesses many of which are dealing with high rent, ecommerce , chains and shoplifting.
Would appreciate some comments from Gale Brewer’s office and CB 7
It’s because the restaurant industry has a lobby! And the poor Korean grocer does not. City Hall and all our council members get contributions$$ from the lobbyists. And they represent them consistently instead of the hard-working middle class retailers and grocers in NY. It’s beyond sad. And it’s not equitable!
We are losing the very best of New York to greed, pay to play and multi-million dollar corporations who have no stake in our communities. Bernie Sanders for Mayor?
Is this the same family that had the store on thebSW corner of 72nd & Amsterdam?
Hans is an institution. Used to shop there a lot when I lived near Amsterdam. I look back at all the independent stores that have disappeared – who remembers Wings? Good luck to them – sounds like they are ready to move on but sad for how things used to be
End of an era. But kudos to them for knowing that every business has a start and an end. I’m glad they are moving on and know they will be successful in their next line of work (which is sounds like they are already starting).
Thank you for being here for so many and for so long!
Too bad😥. I loved shopping at Hans. I first walked into the store in late 1982, shortly after I had moved around the corner, and I asked one of the owners if they had bagels. The market was newish then, and the owner didn’t seem to know what bagels were, so I explained. The next time I came, within a week or so, they had the bagels. And, they remembered and told me❗️I was so impressed with that. I found it well worth it to shop in this lovely market, that fit so many desirable groceries in a small space, and yet managed to keep a clean and attractive store that didn’t look overstuffed.. ‘Tis true, however, that they were pricey – probably because of their high rent and that they were a small independent grocer without bulk purchasing power. I wouldn’t be surprised if, sadly, they lost customers to Trader Joe’s. Even after I moved from the immediate neighborhood almost 30 years ago, I would occasionally stop at Hans when I got off the subway at Broadway and 94th street at night, and I was never disappointed.
I think the killer competition is the fruit stands which the city has allowed to set up on sidewalks. You will notice one about a block north, and another a block south, of every grocer and fruit store on the West Side.
Yes. And the freshness can’t be beat.
Yes important point that the street fruit vendors impact on food stores
Hans has lower prices for fruits and veggies than West Side Market and any supermarket in the area,. West Side Market will now, for certain, raise prices. Trader Joe doesn’t have the diversity of fruits/veggies as Hans (or WSM) and is several crosstown blocks away. Hans was incredibly convenient and when I commuted, I just picked up stuff after I got out of the subway. Plus, nice atmosphere, people.
Yeah. But Hans is more expensive and less fresh than the fruit stands on 94th and Broadway and 90th and Broadway. Though those were there during COVID, so I don’t know what happened
I think it might be way more people ordering food online
Those street stands have dubious quality items. As well as dubious owners. Plus they are not paying the kind of rent Joo is or the commercial insurance, etc. and the way they take over the street violates codes. Unfair and detrimental to a family-owned business.
To add insult to injury, Trader Joe’s has been raising its prices rapidly and with gusto for several months — sometimes from week to week. Just did a weekly shopping, to discover that the bill was $20 more than it had averaged for some months. Beware! Complain!
NY City government hates small businesses
First Lenny’s now Hans. We are losing our independent stores. Even the term Korean grocers seems archaic. And it’s a 4 story building; I’m not optimistic.
My mom used to give the family books for their kids (we’re talking decades ago). In the pandemic they went out of their way to deliver to my 92 year old friend living outside their normal delivery zone. We donated after WSR wrote about the robbery. That store is the reason I was planning to retire to 94th st. having Hans nearby adds to quality of life. Anyone out there have jobs for their staff? Thank you for this sad story.
Thanks to the extended Schiffrin family for your decades of contributions to the life of our city and country!
When I lived on 92nd and WEA I would frequently stop in on my way home from the Subway. The area has changed so much with the new apartment building next door. CVS is closing and the other restaurant storefronts on that block have been empty for ages. It’s going to be a ghost town.
People are largely using services like Instacart where they can shop at grocery stores outside of the neighborhood. I’m guilty of that, but the prices and convenience can’t be beat.
Prices on instacart are so much higher than the individual store fronts charge on site. Convenience at a steep price. Delivery fees, tips. It all adds up and has never been a good value. Stop and Shop, which stopped delivery locally in February, was our go-to for decent assortment and prices. Local supermarkets are over priced.
Thanks for this lovely and bittersweet profile. It’s a very NYC story.
This is such an enormous loss to the neighborhood. Han is right – WHERE are people shopping?! I guess the majority in the neighborhood are more concerned with the convenience (laziness) of not needing to leave their homes instead of helping to support what used to be the kind of access that allowed for finding anything and everything you need just steps from your door. The UWS is rapidly becoming a wasteland.
FreshDirect, Instacart and other home meal delivery services are DEFINITELY having an effect. But where Han’s always had an advantage is that they were open every day for long hours, had friendly service, and could always be relied upon for a locally supply of something you forgot to order or needed in a hurry. They were a CONVENIENCE – and the neighborhood is less resourceful with their closure.
Thank you for all your years of service, Han’s —and for being my only source of single cent coins in change!! We will miss you.
It’s not that hard to understand that people have different priorities for how they want to spend their limited time. Time not spent going to a supermarket is time spent doing something more desirable. There is nothing exciting or glamorous about going to most supermarkets.
To each his own but personally I value the sense of community a family business like Han’s gives us, when I think of what I want from my neighborhood, far more than excitement or glamour.
I was surprised to learn that they had a drop-off in people buying. We are there almost every day as we have been since before they opened. As for being lazy? Sometimes people cannot get out (mobility issues, other health issues) and sometimes what they need is not available at a convenient, local (walkable) location. Trader Joe’s is a cross-town blocks walk from West End for example, as are the supermarkets on columbus. Some people literally cannot carry stuff and can’t afford cabs or busses and so must order online for delivery. In many cases, you order online (not from instacart, though) because you find cheaper prices. What we need in the 90s on the USW is an Aldi’s, a Lidl or a Wegmans. Wegmans in the sixties is NOT convenient.
There have always been people on the UWS who couldn’t get out to shop or couldn’t carry things. This is not new. So that doesn’t explain the change.
So sad. Upper Broadway becoming a market and food desert.
They are a Lovely family neighborhood store.
when my daughter was little, I stopped in every day for coffee, whole wheat fig, Newton-style cookies sold on the counter. Then on my way home, I stopped in for fresh veggies for that night’s dinner
It was a daily routine when walking to the Riverside park when my daughter was young.
I wish you all the happiness and prosperity in your next ventures.
I lived on those fig “newtons” on the way to work! Every morning.
Also ,they have amazing fresh herbs.
I lived over on 94th and WEA. I would go to Hans all the time. I know his father well. They will be greatly missed. Their store is apart of NYC upper Westside history!!
Thank you so much for the store and your work. I lived on West 93rd for about 20 years and used a store almost every day really appreciated it being open. Thank you for your work, and may all good things happen to you for the future.
I also think CVS across the street hurt their business because you could just run in there for juice and snacks and frozen meals. When they closed, I thought business at Hans would pick up. But when it’s time to retire, it’s time.
Businesses are not necessarily retiring because” it’s time,” they are being forced out by high rents and that’s very sad.
So sorry to see Hans go.
People keep trotting out that same tired line, but it just isn’t always true.
Some businesses would need rents rolled back to 1980’s numbers and still would struggle.
Bottom line is entire nature of retail has changed over past twenty or so years, much of that driven by technology.
You only have to walk down any street on DSNY collection days to see bags and bags of boxes from Amazon and other online services.
Persons order staples like toilet paper, paper towels, dish and laundry soap among other things from Target, Amazon, Walmart and other online. Small stores line Hans cannot compete in pricing with likes of Amazon, CVS, Walmart, etc…
Small stores like Hans also cannot match or make same sort of special bargains or deals that CVS, Walmart, DR and others make. Hans cannot run a BOGOF toilet paper sale because it would simply cost too much.
Yes, independent businesses getting pushed out by city government politics – general disinterest in the value of businesses like Han’s, coupled with the incursion of mass market operators. Trader Joe’s owned by German Walmart Aldi, Whole Foods owned Amazon, all of the CVS and Rite Aids etc. They will be gone for good. It’s sad, particularly as NYC was always the place immigrants could make their mark with small business. Mayor’s Office, CIty Council needs to wake up and stop treating these small but critical city businesses like enemies.
Stop blaming the government. It’s OUR fault. We love our Amazon Prime and Instacart, just to name a few. WE THE CONSUMER are responsible for the decline of brick and mortar stores. It’s just that simple.
So you want the mayor and City Council to prop up obsolete businesses?
I’m sorry to see Han’s go (I’ve shopped there myself) but the world has changed. These small grocers – and many other small businesses – simply can’t compete with the prices, selection and convenience of big box stores, online shopping and delivery services.
Ultimately, consumers should decide which businesses survive – not bureaucrats.
Well, logically, you would expect the city to support and help small businesses. There are federal laws that mandate giving preferences and assistance to small businesses. But real politics is different. They clearly do not care. And the elected officials get funding from big corporations. So small businesses will die out eventually.
Joseph:
Incredibly the City is focusing on support of ecommerce – while ignoring local neighborhood businesses.
The City is working to implement ecommerce delivery hubs to make things easier for Amazon etc.
Exactly what I was thinking Sam! And not only that but the city’s support of e-commerce is at the expense of not just our family run stores but at our health and safety too. Thousands of delivery people have become a major factor in pedestrian injury as they are seemingly everywhere and completely unregulated. They ride on sidewalks, through red lights and in general don’t obey the traffic laws. The lack of safety is a loss to our communities. And delivery apps actually take business away from small grocers. Only we can keep our small businesses in our neighborhoods by doing our business there. Stop ordering on-line, put on your shoes and go pick up your food from your local community food stores.
So sorry!
The reason is Fresh Direct.
I’m sad to see them go. I moved to the UWS ten years ago and quickly befriended the staff. Although their prices were not the best in the neighborhood, they were a constant, reliable quick stop where I could find the essentials I couldn’t put off until my next supermarket trip.
I wish the staff the best and to the family, a successful transition to whatever their next endeavor will be.
No doubt, TraderJoe’s just 2 blocks away has changed the shopping habits of many westsiders. It is always packed and has transformed ( along with Whole Foods ) Columbus Ave. Which, for most of my 65 years in the neighborhood, was a dead zone.
Now, Columbus Ave is full and vibrant, as is Amsterdam Ave from 72nd to 86th street.
Most west side residents don’t want to walk more than 2 blocks for anything!
Vacancy retail on Broadway, however, is troublesome to watch.
We bought almost all our food from Han’s when my son was in a stroller, and he loved their corn muffins. When we walked in, the Hans would call him the Muffin Man. My son just turned 32. So much neighborhood history…Viva la UWS!
Long. Live. Han’s.
I used to go there after school every day. This is insane!
But I think with so many people working remotely, we don’t stop off at the deli on our way home from work.
I’m just heartbroken! The Han family is part of the tapestry of the Upper West Side. I’m impressed by their embrace of change throughout their lives, though. I wish them much success in their next chapter, and I hope they realize how much they brought to the neighborhood. They’re going to be missed!!
Everyone loves Trader Joe’s, close by, but this is a resulting casualty
I think I’m the only person on the UWS (maybe in all of NYC) who does not love Trader Joe’s
We don’t like TJ either.
Curious to know why so many of these valuable Korean produce stands have disappeared. Covid? Leases? Retirement?
In part likely for same reasons Korean/Asian dry cleaners, laundries and other associated businesses are closing.
Places were started by immigrant parents or grandparents when first arrived in USA. By second or third generation the kids (grandkids, etc…) went to college and have become professionals or otherwise have stable middle to high income careers.
Many of these businesses such as laundries, convenience stores, delis, etc… are low margin. Fixed costs are usually high but there are various constraints on pricing.
https://www.nbcnews.com/specials/one-of-new-york-city-last-chinese-hand-laundries-closes/
For various reasons number of Korean delis in NYS has been on a steady decline for past few decades. It is a trend no one sees reversing and soon they will likely all be gone.
https://nypost.com/2011/08/08/end-of-the-korean-grocery/
So sad. One wonders how Barzini can keep going when Han can’t. Surprising that all of the new construction in the area hasn’t created more foot traffic/sales.
Barzinis is nasty and filthy. And be careful what you buy – expired expiration dates allover (or fake ones.)
Thank you for running this amazing store. I will miss you very much.
So sorry to see you go. Thank you for providing for us all these years. I will miss you. Best of luck in your new chapter.
We will miss you! Sorry to see you go I wish you all the best in the future.
Just wanted to add another note of appreciation to all the others. When I first moved to the city in 1989, I lived nearby and I shopped at Hans regularly. I had never had a mango before! I remember trying one for the first time from their store — it was just one of the adventurous new things that were part of my new life here, my NYC life that I have loved all these years. I am still in the store every few weeks and I wish the Hans the very best — thank you for your contributions to our neighborhood!
I think Fresh Direct grocery delivery and apps like Grub Hub and Instacart have redesigned food with deliveries that come directly into your home.
Oh no!! Very sad news!
This is really heartbreaking to hear, I’ve grown up with this as my corner store and it’s one of the last small businesses in those blocks on Broadway. Happy for Joo and Jenny to get a well deserved vacation, and hope we can make sure everyone who’s worked at Han’s gets the support they need. Ugh 💔
I once asked Hans why he didn’t have a DJ in the store. And I did continue getting the $10. Hans n das ice cream pints.
Try Mani Market, Southeast corner of 94th Street and Columbus Ave. Very friendly owners, interesting variety of food.
People order groceries online or go to discount place like Trader Joes?
Thank you so much for all you have done, Han and Jenny! All the best to you in your new ventures.
That is the bottom line. Unlicensed food vendors that don’t pay rent, insurance and probably taxes of all types. You can’t compete with that kevel of overhead.
So sad to hear this, great place and people, had gone there since 1980; but moved up to Washington Heights 2 years ago when things got too pricy. I wish there was a Hans in the West 150s.
I am thinking that maybe the reason why business is even worse than during COVID is because during COVIS it was one of the few places open during lockdown and they stayed open late. And during COVID people got used to food delivery.
But I wonder if all the meal prep companies like Blue Apron are part of the problem like half my building orders from them
No need to buy from grocery stores then
I am also wondering if like others have said – the fruit stands on 94th and 90th. Plus the new breakfast carts.
I am saddened to lose Hans. It was a real neighborhood store with fresh food, friendly faces. I felt safe getting off the subway late at night because Hans was opened. I remember the older Mr. Han joining the Christmas carolers and surprising us all with a box of clementines! This store helped make our neighborhood a neighborhood.
I wish that we had some kind of AWARD or way to recognize their wonderful and long service to the city. The importance of nice small business owners is great. I still remember the guys at the newsstand next to the bus stop on SW corner of 94th. Bought my paper and smokes there for so many years and they always made me laugh. And the Sal’s pizza guys. Hell, I even remember the amazing guys at PHIL’s pizza who would give every kid a free slice on our birthdays!