New upscale market at 98 Montgomery, aka 941 Washington Ave?

Esperanza

I was thinking the same about the Associated. Perhaps there will be two distinct clientele bases that go to the B&B on Union, and one for the Associated. I will support the Associated. They've been there since at least the '70s, and family owned.

Davina

I would do the main, basic shopping at Associated. Then get the more fancy stuff, food on the go, and beer (Associated don't sell beer) from B&B or Wholesome. I would go to the P&B/B&B for coffee and bagels.

Brooklyneya

The family that run Associated are nice and helpful. Their employees seem happy and well treated. It's not unusual to see them joking around with the cashiers, the Hispanic guy that packs the shelves is always super cheerful and says hello, and once the owners were giving cashiers some homemade middle eastern food to try and they offered some to me. They also hire a diverse staff, while many businesses prefer to hire among their group.

In terms of products, they've been gradually introducing new items that cater to the changing demographics, while not jacking up the prices. They offer good sales, too.

I'd go to B&B or Wholesome for specialty items not found at Associated. I hope the prices are reasonable. I've been disappointed by the prices of several new establishments in the area, like Mountain.

Esperanza

I also like the owner of the Associated. The cashiers and stockers are friendly, and aren't clannish to folks, be they old timers or new comers. AND the prices are in general lower than any other store around. I've have asked the owner personally for items and he remembers to order them.

whynot_31

I think that once Tivoli is repopulated and Sea Crest is built, Associated will not have much to worry about from the increasing number of gourmet markets in the area.

While the smaller markets will be able to provide more convenience for similar goods, they will not be able to compete with Associated on price. Hence, Associated will continue get the customers making larger shopping trips.

Those unable to afford the name brands carried by Associated will continue to go to Western Beef.

...until Western Beef inevitably cashes in its incredibly valuable land.

mcpoet

I agree that Associated has done a good job of evolving through the years (though some of the people who work there haven't exactly been friendly to me over the years, not gonna hold that against the owners though).  That store looks very different now than it did a decade ago.  It's been my go to grocery store for years, though my newfound love for Freshdirect will limit how frequently I shop at any of these stores.  I live on the block with the new Bob & Betty's, so that will likely become my drop-in spot if I need anything on my way home from work, including beer.  Associated is for basic essentials between Freshdirect deliveries.  I might hit up the spot on Washington when visiting the Botanic Garden, but that's about it for me.  The faster those other nearby developments are up and running the better the chances of this place surviving and carving out a niche with local shoppers.

mugofmead111

I was thinking the same about the Associated. Perhaps there will be two distinct clientele bases that go to the B&B on Union, and one for the Associated. I will support the Associated. They've been there since at least the '70s, and family owned.

Yes.

In the 80s though it was a Key Food. 

whynot_31

Signage up:

Esperanza

I passed by the store when it was dark. The sign has strobing, multi-colored lights, think a la Vegas strip. If I was epileptic, I'd be seizing. Hope the neighbors have black out curtains.

mugofmead111

I'll be interested in see what hours this establishment has. 

whynot_31

I believe the prior store was open 24 hours, but suspect this one will be closed from something like midnight to 6 AM.

It also appears as if the new store will not sell tobacco or lottery tickets.

MasTacos

The prior store (at least in recent years) wasn't 24 hours and I even remember thinking their hours were shorter than most bodegas. 

I walked by tonight and the shelves are stocked so I expect this place will open soon.

whynot_31

If they play their cards right, they will sell something like sandwiches to the construction workers who build the 209 unit complex that will replace Sea Crest, and then prepared foods to those who live in it once it is complete.

http://www.brooklynian.com/discussion/39234/the-sea-crest-linen-site-46-crown-st-#Item_10&nbsp

dmiami2

I think they opened today...

whynot_31

Someone should go in to take pictures and give us a full report.    I'm out of town this weekend.

Esperanza

I walked past it, looks nicely laid out inside. The store was empty of customers when I passed by.

whynot_31

Can one eat in? Are there stools/seats?

Do they have a lot of prepared foods, like Wholesome on Flatbush?

Esperanza

Not sure if there is seating. The place reminds me a lot of the small store on St. Johns, just bigger.

mugofmead111

I stopped in the store today. It seems like a really fancy bodega. Like Wholesome Gourmet, it sells conventional products alongside the organic/natural brands.

You can tell that the space was gut-renovated. The floors have been stripped down to the concrete.

I didn't see any space for seating. This place does allow you to order a sandwich or salad.

The store isn't ready to accept EBT of SNAP yet, nor is it selling lotto tickets yet.

whynot_31

The owner has three other upscale small grocer locations.

More stock is coming. There are some seats. They now have beer and prepared foods.

whynot_31

The LED lights are kind of cool in that they change colors.

Esperanza

Vegas a la organic.

whynot_31

building a la sold. https://therealdeal.com/2018/03/22/sentinel-sells-pair-of-rent-stabilized-crown-heights-buildings-for-53m/