A Shiny, New, (Somewhat) Organic Supermarket for Bed-Stuy

A brand-new fresh produce supermarket opened today in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Metropolitan Citymarket, located at 1142 Bedford Avenue.

For nearly six months, residents have watched the organic supermarket slowly take shape in an area often referred to as a “food desert,” with very few options for fresh produce and organic products.

Inside, the store is pristine, brightly lit and inviting. Shelves are neatly stocked with everything offered at any major grocery food chain with a small stock of organic options limited mostly to produce.

“The main thing [that we’re trying] to do here is bring healthy and natural organic products, [and give] the community a clean store,” said Ignacio Perez, the store’s merchandiser.

“This is my first time coming in, and I would say some of the prices are a little high… you get what I’m saying,” said Carmen Best, peeking over her glasses at the checkout counter. Best, who has lived in the neighborhood for 40 years, said she normally patronizes the Key Foods further up the avenue. “But I saw the market and decided to come in and see what it’s all about.”

All was in tip-top shape and ready to go, including the store’s circular which had some great deals: bananas for 79 cents/lb., and red ripe tomatoes and red or black plums for 99 cents/lb. Perdue chicken leg quarters are on sale for 69 cents/lb., and USDA Choice Beef Porterhouse or T-bone steaks for $6.99/lb.

Metropolitan Citymarket occupies approximately 3,000 square feet of the ground floor of a newly constructed condominium development at the corner of Bedford and Monroe. The store hours are Monday through Saturday, from 7:00am to 10:00pm, and Sunday, from 8:00am to 8:00pm.

“I think this is great; I like it,” said Debra Perry, who lives in one of the apartments right upstairs. “I try to eat only fresh organic foods. So I like the fact that they have some organic products. It would be nice if they had a little more variety. But now, I can come right downstairs and do my shopping here.”