MANHATTAN — Fairway is coming to Kips Bay.
After months of speculation that the popular grocery chain would fill empty storefronts on Second Avenue near East 30th Street, the company has confirmed it is moving into 42,000 square feet of space in a shopping plaza that includes a movie theater and a Rite Aid.
The location will be the chain’s first in Midtown Manhattan and will fill space left vacant by an Office Depot and a Crunch gym.
“People have been asking for years for us to come to Midtown so that they too can enjoy just how unique and special we are,” said Howie Glickberg, vice chairman of development for Fairway, in a statement.
“Our people are the best, from our butchers and bakers to our cheesemongers, produce and seafood experts,” Glickberg added. “They all share a passion for what they do, and we’re very pleased to be able to share this passion now with even more New Yorkers.”
Company officials said they expect to open the new store in November, making it the fourth Fairway Market in Manhattan. The chain also has other outposts on the Upper West Side, the Upper East Side and in Harlem.
“Residents of Midtown can finally claim a Fairway Market of their own, and we are thrilled to reward their patience with our unparalleled shopping experience,” said Charles Santoro, chairman of Fairway Market. “We are also very pleased to be creating 400 new jobs in this tough economy.”
The real estate firm RKF assisted Fairway in securing the location.
