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CROSS RIVER, N.Y. If all goes according to plan, DeCicco Family Markets will open its new store at the site formerly occupied by DAgostino in the Cross River Plaza by the end of August.
Owner Frank DeCicco said lease negotiations had run hot and cold and that when the deal finally went through, he was caught off guard.
It happened so fast, we didnt really have time to set a target date [to open], he said. Thats why I figure well probably be ready by the end of August.
The company is currently in the process of renovating the store.
We are going to do some minor remodeling, he said. We are bringing in some new freezers and refrigerators and well be adding a bakery along with some prepared foods.
The location wont boast a wine bar such as the store in Brewster does, simply because of space constraints. The Cross River locale is only 15,000 square feet, while the Brewster store is three times that size.
We started with a 7,000-square-foot store in Bronxville, DeCicco noted.
On Wednesday, company representatives were preparing to meet with Lewisboro town officials to see what permits would be necessary to complete the remodeling.
Though it wont have a wine bar, the Cross River store will feature a large meat department and an expansive fish department, something that DAgostino didnt have.
Well have a fish department with fresh fish daily delivered from the market, DeCicco said. That includes sushi.
DeCicco believes his store will succeed in the location because of its dedication to the needs of its customers.
We cater to our customers needs with things like fresh meat, deli, produce perishables are our strength, its what we are known for, he said. Plus, we are not absentee owners. We usually always have someone from the family at our stores.
DeCicco also said that a small, family-run operation such as his has an advantage over the bigger chain stores.
We are more flexible than the chains, he said. If a customer wants a particular product, we can have it for them in a day or two sometimes the same day. We dont have to go through the levels of approval that you need at the big chain stores.
Town Supervisor Charles Duffy said that he was enthusiastic about DeCiccos move to the Lewisboro area.
I am very excited about DeCicco's and have only heard great things about their existing stores, he said. I understand that they are more of a specialty market than D'Ags and feature locally grown produce and a full line of organic food. They should do very well in Cross River.
Our new ADA-compliant Town offices behind their new store are under construction. When completed, the new market will be a welcome stop for town workers and a convenience for those visiting the town on business. This should help add to the critical mass at the Plaza.
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