Central Park West Loses Decades-Old Market

The
empty facade of the Gristedes supermarket on Central Park West that
closed last weekend. (Photo: David W. Dunlap/The New York Times)

It is not easy to find a grocery store on Central Park West. In
fact, it is not easy to find a store of any kind. But for 42 years
— until last weekend — Gristedes operated a 3,200-square-foot supermarket at the West 62nd Street corner of the Century apartment building.

Once a year, on marathon day, the store appeared to be as jammed as Fairway
(if Fairway shoppers wore aluminum foil capes). At other times, it was
simply a modest neighborhood convenience. In late evenings this week,
doormen at the Century were still intercepting eastbound pedestrians
hurrying along 62nd Street, trying to get to Gristedes before 9 p.m. In
more senses than one, the shoppers were too late. It had closed for
good.

A Fresh Direct advertisement bidding farewell to the Central Park West Gristedes.

John A. Catsimatidis, the chairman, president and chief executive of
the Red Apple Group, which owns Gristedes, was quoted this week on The Real Deal
as blaming a steep rent increase. (He was also quoted as saying the
store had “been there for 50 years at least,” but Gristede
Brothers actually signed the lease in 1965.) His office did not return
phone calls this afternoon.

FreshDirect lost no time in reminding neighbors of the changed foodscape.

“Goodbye, Gristedes,” said postcards that arrived on Thursday. “Hello, FreshDirect!” Meanwhile, the Lansco Corporation
is marketing the retail space by noting its location “amid New
York’s most renowned new condominium residences.”

That doesn’t seem to describe the kind of place where you can pick up a quart of milk or a roll of toilet paper.