The cheap storefronts at 4-12 East 125th and Fifth Avenue will soon be home to a better grocery store called Wild Olive Market. With its proximity to Mt. Morris Park and the developing areas just north of 125th Street, this new addition to Harlem's famed commercial row might herald a new era for the storefronts in the area east of 5th Avenue. Formerly the domain of an express Taco Bell and 99 cent stores (lower photo), the new owners have taken over five storefronts and will substantially be changing this block on the south side of East 125th Street. There's a large open corner building lot at the Madison end but things seem to be picking up once more so maybe its days will be numbered. This might be the game changer from the cheap big chain stores that keep popping up along the historic street that used to be Harlem's more stylish department store and theater district. As of today, the interior still looks like a work in progress, but the awnings are already in place. Stay tuned. The closest subways are the 2,3 and A,B,C,D trains at 125th street. Top photo by Ulysses. Special thanks to Bespoke reader Thomas for the tip.
Let's hope for the best. A quick Google search reveals nothing. Five storefronts is a big nut to carry.
ReplyDeleteA new store could be a life changing event for this block. The building above is elegant with its arch windows and a new classy store frontage could really uplift the whole block and set a new standard for east 125th street. I remember when the taco bell was a welcome improvement here.
ReplyDeleteSubways that are close by would be the 2/3 and the 4/5/6.
ReplyDeletePlease, please have delicious gourmet cheeses and fresh, crusty bread! And... olives?! :)
ReplyDelete-An eagerly awaiting customer.
I've seen workers coming in and out but no sign of when/ if opening.
ReplyDeleteWork is steadily being done inside so it will surely open sometime in late spring or early summer. I hope...
ReplyDeleteThe owners were nice enough to let me see the inside of the store, its going to be amazing, Fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese display, the best olive oils, a full deli counter, fresh fish and meats and of course all natural and organic groceries. I was truly impressed with it. I cant wait for it to open in about 3 - 4 weeks.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous comment 4:24 PM,
ReplyDeleteThe owners said it would open in 3-4 weeks? Wow I am excited!!!
I passed by the other day and took a peak inside. Looks as though they are almost set for opening. Seen some shelves stocked with goods. I wish them a lot of success. I will certainly spend some of my hard earned money in there.
ReplyDeleteGood to see this is coming to 1~2~5; sadly, I'll be missing it as I'm moving to another part of Harlem. I sincerely hope this market makes it - and I REALLY hope the owners / management will be able to keep at bay the element that makes Pathmark such a nightmare.
ReplyDeleteThe people of Harlem deserve to have access to fresh organic fruits and vegetables. I only hope it will be reasonably priced so that people are able to afford to buy superior quality foods that aren't currently available at the corner delis, but curiously are widely available in most neighborhoods south of Harlem? We have to support this new business. I think it is an important step to helping our community.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely support this business even if the goods are pricier than nearby delis and supermarkets. They will certainly be better quality.
ReplyDeleteAnyone know the opening date?
ReplyDeleteIS there an opening date? Doesn't look imminent. Who are the owners?
ReplyDeletelets please support this grocery store... this part of harlem could benefit from it significantly...
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