Nov. 29, 2022 By Michael Dorgan
An expansive new supermarket that sells a range of conventional and organic foods has opened on the corner of 31st Avenue and 38th Street in Astoria.
The new store, part of a franchise called Farm Country Supermarket, opened on Nov. 22 at 37-15 31st Ave. — replacing Associated Supermarket which had operated from the same building for decades until it closed last year.
The 31st Avenue location is the company’s third in Queens following on from its Jackson Heights and Laurelton stores. The company also has a location in Brooklyn and in Manhattan.
The Astoria store is being operated by the Diaz family from Jackson Heights and it is their second supermarket with the chain. The family also runs the Jackson Heights Farm Country Supermarket, according to José Diaz, an operating officer for the two locations.
Diaz said the family spent around eight months renovating the 14,000-square-foot space before opening last week. He said it was in need of upgrades since the store was dated. Patch was first to report the opening.
The store has undergone a complete overhaul with a fresh and bright new look. The floors have been replaced, while new shelves, light fixtures, refrigerators and check-out counters have been installed. The exterior has also gotten a makeover.
A new deli area has been built near the front of the store that offers hot food items, cold sandwiches and salads, Diaz said.
He said the family worked hard to make sure construction finished before the Thanksgiving break.
“We were delighted to open so we could serve the community in time for the holidays,” Diaz said.
Farm Country Supermarket sells a wide range of natural, organic and vegan foods along with a host of other grocery items including dry food options, canned goods, frozen foods, snacks, as well as personal care items and cleaning supplies.
There are also fresh fruits and vegetables on offer, as well as a beer section that includes locally produced IPAs. The store also offers meats – including grass-fed meats – as well as fish and various cheeses from around the world, Diaz said.
Diaz said the family is very familiar with Astoria and they were drawn to the neighborhood because it is attractive and safe.
“Astoria is like a city within a city. It is up-and-coming, and a good place to operate from,” Diaz said.
“We are trying to help improve the neighborhood and do the right thing for the community. We are here to serve.”
Opening hours are from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Sundays.