By Gus Saltonstall
After months of speculation, on February 17, the Broadway Farm grocery store closed.
The Upper West Side business on Broadway between West 85th and 86th streets never gave an official explanation for the closure. West Side Rag did its best to get to the bottom of the situation at the time, but we never got a clear explanation from ownership or management.
The Rag did speak to three cashiers earlier this year — all of whom said different things about the future of the store, with one saying the store would be closing, another saying it wouldn’t close, and a third saying new management would be taking over the grocer.
Broadway Farm has been shuttered since February 17, but work has continued. The produce and equipment in front of the store have been cleared out, and in recent weeks, there has been a steady stream of workers operating at the location.
On Wednesday, WSR spoke to a pair of those workers, neither of whom identified themselves, but said that “a new owner is taking over the store.” The workers added that the Broadway Farm name was expected to stay the same and that they were currently redoing and renovating the inside of the business.
When asked about a possible reopening date, they said one to two months.
The Rag will continue to work to confirm the reopening date and get in touch with the new owner.
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Hoping they will have more pleasant cashiers who value customer service.
I prefer cashiers who are fast and efficient whether or not they are friendly. I don’t go to the grocery store to socialize.
…..assuming there WILL be cashiers……
Over the years, the cashiers at Broadway Farm were pleasant and caring. A few new, younger cashiers were hired during the last year, who did their job well, if not full of personality. But the long-term personnel were friendly and so personable, right up to the end. I wish them all well and hope that they have found good employment since. Fingers crossed that the store will come back!
I’m sorry but my kids grew up with the cashiers at Broadway Farm, who were always kind. They asked after our children even after the kids had left for college. They remained warm and kind to us even as Broadway Farm declined. It’s a rare thing these days, as so many local businesses come and go with rising rents, to actually get to know people in shops that help anchor a neighborhood.
I thought they were great. Half the people who pay treat them like they don’t exist….on the phone or just in a hurry. I always spoke to them. The management there treated them terribly . I agree
I agree with Maria: I’ve found the cashiers there to be very friendly. I look forward to the revamped Broadway Farm, and hope that everyone is rehired.
So glad they’re coming back!
I wish the new ownership well, but it will be a tough row to hoe with the new Key Food on 88th Street. Other than the prepared desserts, sandwiches and salads, the Key Food has everything Broadway Farms offered, but at a lower price and a more pleasant shopping experience without interior steps to climb.
It was the convenience. When I go to key food it is always very empty. I go to the old one. I want convenience. Bway farm had more fresh produce and a neighborhood vibe unlike key food. They sliced fresh breads. Miss the folks there too.
The prices at Key Food on 88th are comparatively high (though not nearly so high as places like West Side Market or Morton Williams). Still, it is clean, well-stocked, And well-run, and the staff is friendly. The Key Food on Amsterdam is smaller and obviously has less stock, but its prices simply cannot be beat. It is worth walking the extra block or two to shop there, particularly for “basics.”
There was a ramp so you could avoid the stairs
The prices at the new Key Foods on Broadway are what I consider high. And most vegetables are prepackaged so instead of being able to buy 1 shallot you need to buy a package of 6 that you don’t need. I find that aggravating. Hopefully the new Broadway Farms will allow you to just buy that one shallot you need.
Very little is inexpensive in Manhattan, especially food in stores.
However, Key Food is way less expensive than B’way Farms was, and there’s no reason to think that will change.
And, in reply to Glen? Key Foods makes nice deli sandwiches at way lower prices than either B’way Farms did or others in the immediate neighborhood.
Way lower.
Climbing steps is good exercise. If that is your biggest problem, you lead a very privileged life.
Yes, hip and knee problems, especially among seniors, are Fake News — like birds.
And what about older or disabled persons? Shouldn’t they be able to shop, too?
not unshelled walnuts! I have a parrot who is very upset
I have an African grey and conure. What about you? Do you know a parrot sitter? Thanks.
What you won’t do for love!
OK, before addressing BW Farms, a word about Key Foods So freaking overpriced it’s obscene. Not says BW Farms is less but for many of us on West End and Riverside BW Farms is a necessity. The area around Broadway in the 80s is food desert. The fact that 2 giant spaces in 86/Broadway have sat empty for decades is a disgrace. Happy if Broadway Farms does return
The Gristedes that used to occupy one of those spaces was just as bad if not worse with the prices
The Key Foods between 85 and 86 and Amsterdam is generally extremely reasonably priced. I don’t know why people constantly complain about the lack of options in the area and ignore that store. It isn’t the most luxurious shopping experience but it is fine. Yes, I would prefer more options, but the constant whining is out of control.
And if all of this is such a burden, use Fresh Direct.
It’s like a time capsule, walking back into the 1960s.
They were nice to me , anyway. Except that one loony manager
This is Great News
The corner of 85th and Broadway where the shop was is really smelling … they need to clean it out properly. The stink travels 1.5=2 blocks.