Refreshing new grocery store has grand opening

The Fresh Grocer had its grand opening on Friday, Aug. 23 at the Lighthouse Commons shopping center in Oakdale.

With freshly stocked shelves and even fresher produce, the aisles were filled with community members.

“We saw a need for a grocery store in the community and thought The Fresh Grocer would be a great fit in Oakdale. The new store continues our commitment as grocers to offer value, quality and service with freshly prepared ready-to-eat meals, produce and groceries,” said chief operating officer for K. Thompson Foods, who own The Fresh Grocer, Ken Thompson Jr.

The family-owned company is a part of a retailer-owned supermarket cooperative, Wakefern Food Corporation, and has three generations in the grocery business.

“It was important to us to incorporate themes of community and family into the store. The store includes a photo of my dad, Ken Thompson Sr., from his early days in the supermarket business, as well as a mural wall with pictures of historic sites and buildings in Oakdale, including St. John’s Episcopal Church. Even the store design, which incorporates a lighthouse feature, is a nod to the seaside village of Oakdale,” said Thompson.

In addition, K. Thompson Foods owns ShopRite stores in Deer Park, Uniondale and Riverhead.

“We want to continue to deliver the service and experience that we are known for at our three ShopRite locations. We are excited now to bring the Fresh Grocer brand to Long Island,” said Thompson.

The company signed the lease for the 26,000-square-foot space in October 2023 and began renovating the building earlier this year.

Fresh foods, affordability, and quality are the top priorities for The Fresh Grocer, which employes close to 120 full- and part-time employees.