The Market Report

The gentrification of Harlem has brought a lot of controversy, and a lot of controversial projects. One project that I haven't heard any controversy about is the renovation of the ground floor of the residential tower at 1588 Madison Ave in East Harlem. The former Associated Food Holdings-affiliated Uptown Supermarket has been rebranded into a brand-new Associated Fresh Market (and moved slightly to the right, I believe what used to be a courtyard was enclosed and added to the supermarket space; the residence entrance is now to the left of the supermarket). The new Associated is not a fancy store, although it does sell some organic and specialty products. It's very attractive and extremely well stocked though. (Side note, I visited here on a freezing cold day in an attempt to find lunch; I ended up eating at the Mount Sinai Hospital cafeteria and it was rather good. I love cafeterias and also work for a large foodservice provider in a cafeteria setting. The Cafeteria R...

Yes, the sign does say "Coming Soon Exclusive Supermarket." My question is... who are they excluding? Is there a bouncer to get in? Or do you just have to know someone who knows someone who knows someone? I don't know, but either way, this store at 4490 Broadway is preparing to open as a Shop Fair now, as we can see in this picture posted to Facebook. No word on whether the store is open yet or if it's not, when it will be, but it was previously the Uptown Supermarket . Photographed July 2018