After years of rumors and wishful thinking on shreddit and other corners of the Bay Ridge internets, it seems to finally be happening. Trader Joe’s is coming to Bay Ridge! The news was announced Sunday, October 11, in a fun Instagram video featuring Kayla Santosuosso and Justin Brannan – confirming what many residents had been hoping to hear for years. The popular grocery chain will be opening on 86th Street, taking over part of the former Century 21 property between Fourth and Fifth Avenues which is now known as Century Marketplace.
As we mentioned on the podcast, developers announced that Burlington had signed a lease for approximately 44,000 square feet, alongside what was being called a ‘national specialty grocer’ occupying another 16,000 square feet. We had some fun on the podcast speculating whether it would finally be the Trader Joe’s that Bay Ridge had been asking for – or what other chains might be contenders (we floated Aldi, Lidl and some others). Well as reported on Brooklyn Paper, it sure does seem to be official – Trader Joes is the new tenant.
There’s still no official opening date, although the larger Century Marketplace development is expected to open in 2028. It should be noted that this is separate from the SuperFresh supermarket already planned for the property on 87th Street. It’s no secret that 86th Street has struggled both pre-and-post Covid. After six years of staring at an empty department store, can this finally be the kick start the neighborhood is needing to make 86th Street the official shopping hub of Bay Ridge – and help it return to its glory days – we certainly hope so!
Stay tuned to the pod and this substack as more details come in!