‘Top-tier’ grocer requested by residents

The South Shore’s consummate health-oriented grocer, Cornucopia, announced a second location to open in the Station Yards complex in Ronkonkoma.

“We were approached by TRITEC’s real estate broker and were told we were the No. 1 choice for an upscale grocery store because current tenants at the Alston [in Station Yards] made requests for such and they wanted to stick with local business,” said owner of Cornucopia, Drew Alexander.

“This exciting expansion marks the next chapter for Cornucopia, initially based in Sayville, renowned for providing the highest-quality food and wellness items to enhance the health of individuals, the community, and the world at large,” said Chris Kelly, senior vice president of Marketing at TRITEC

The additional Cornucopia location will occupy a 6,948-square-foot space (approximately double the sales floor of the Sayville location) with construction anticipated to commence this fall.

The new store is part of the 70,000 square feet in retail space featured at Station Yards.

Alexander said he looks forward to the larger footprint as the Sayville location is oftentimes “standing room only” at peak shopping hour.

“We’re going to have wider aisles and a much more open atmosphere to the store,” said Alexander.

“Our food-service operation is going to be geared towards much faster in-and-out experience… if you’re catching a train, you need to grab something quick. It’s going to be ‘I just parked my car, I have 15 minutes to catch my train, I’ve got five minutes to grab a wrap, a snack, and a drink.’ That’s the goal—to provide that solution where they’re still eating healthy and organic,” said Alexander.

The fast-paced Ronkonkoma location will add about 20 full-time and part-time employees to Cornucopia’s team.

“The move to Station Yards aligns perfectly with Cornucopia's mission to serve and uplift the community, offering accessible, top-tier natural foods and wellness products in this innovative transit-oriented development. Station Yards will be a vibrant new hub for Long Islanders,” said Kelly.

“Cornucopia will bring a fantastic, healthy, one-stop shop to your health food needs at Station Yards,” said Colliers broker, Maria Valanzano. “It will be extremely beneficial to the residents and local community to have access to a healthy food market at their doorstep. Train riders can also take advantage of the convenience of stopping in for a pre-ride snack or drink before they conduct their travel.”

"We are delighted to welcome Cornucopia Natural Foods to Station Yards," said Jimmy Coughlan, TRITEC’s executive vice president. "Their commitment to quality and community aligns perfectly with our vision for this development. We are confident that Cornucopia will be a tremendous asset to the residents and visitors of Station Yards."

Alexander, who started out as a dishwasher at Cornucopia in 2006 and went on to purchase the business in 2023, said his goal was always to grow the business and better serve the community, “ We aim to provide our customers with the healthiest and most eco-friendly options possible while creating the best workplace for our staff. Moving to Station Yards will help us be even more environmentally responsible and expand our outreach and charitable endeavors."