A spokeswoman at Stop & Shop headquarters in Landover, Md., told The Forum this week that plans to close on the deal for the Cross Bay Boulevard location hinge solely on the bankruptcy proceedings currently underway.
The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company, which began as a small grocery store in 1892, expects the sale of the Howard Beach store to be completed before the year ends.
The spokesperson was unable to confirm how long the renovations would take and whether or not the store would have to close temporarily for the massive facelift and restoration project that is planned.
The representative said that while the company was very eager to have this location added to their expanding roster of stores, their main concern was to set a plan in motion to make the transition as convenient for the surrounding community as possible.
Meanwhile, on another note in the world of supermarkets, speculation continues to swirl around rumors that the Key Food store at 163-30 Cross Bay Blvd., may be next to close.
The net lease on the property through 2028 belongs to Duane Reade, which subleased it to Key Food. Two weeks ago, the building, first constructed in 2009 with a major renovation completed in 2014, was listed for sale by Cushman-Wakefield.
By Patricia Adams
pat@theforumnewsgroup.com
