PHOTO: Howard Beach and the Key Food family last Saturday marked one year since the Cross Bay store opened its doors. Forum Photos by Michael V. Cusenza and Courtesy of Frankie Almonte
Seems like it was just yesterday, eager shoppers, elected officials, and civic leaders packed the sun-splashed sidewalks of Cross Bay Boulevard that Friday morning in September 2014 to help welcome a new Key Food supermarket to Howard Beach.
And last Saturday, the communities of Howard Beach and Ozone Park turned out once again to celebrate the supermarket that has become part of the fabric of the neighborhood, as it marked one year in south Queens.
Families enjoyed free food and live entertainment, including MusicFlex DJ and the legendary comedian and radio personality Goumba Johnny.
“Be assured that it has been a pleasure serving the residents of Howard Beach, Lindenwood, Hamilton Beach and also Ozone Park,” store owner Frankie Almonte told The Forum. “Everyone has been very welcoming. As time goes on we are thankful to see more and more residents shop with us. On behalf of the Key Food Team, we are truly honored to have earned the communities’ trust and look forward to many years of service.”
Hundreds of supporters and shoppers flocked to the much-anticipated Grand Opening of the Howard Beach Key Food last year. File Photo
The Cross Bay Key Food opened to grand fanfare a year ago. Until that Friday morning, the grocery-shopping options for residents of Howard Beach and neighboring communities and were basically limited to a Waldbaum’s on 156th Avenue and Cross Bay Boulevard and another Waldbaum’s at 83rd Street and 153rd Avenue.
The store, located on the old Duane Reade pharmacy site between 163rd and 164th avenues, incurred tremendous damage from Superstorm Sandy, which ultimately delayed its grand opening.
“This is very deeply overwhelming, I’ll be honest with you,” said Almonte after helping to cut the ceremonial ribbon last year. “It’s been a true challenge; we’ve been here for more than a year, post-Sandy. Today, the fruits of our labor are obvious.”
And what a difference a year makes. Both Waldbaum’s stores have been sold; the Cross Bay building will soon be occupied by Stop & Shop, while Key Food is set to take over at the Lindenwood location.
By Michael V. Cusenza
michael@theforumnewsgroup.com
