ShopRite Opens for Business in Mount Kisco

MOUNT KISCO, N.Y. - Can the new ShopRite in Mount Kisco wow the grocery buying public?

It cancan … literally.

A chorus line of high-stepping dancers in feathers, flouncy skirts, petticoats, high heels, and black fishnet stockings -- inspired by the supermarket giant’s iconic TV jingle for its annual can sale -- was one of the highlights of a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 10, for the state-of-the-art store located at 333 North Bedford Road.

There were also speeches praising all the folks that had worked on the project since its inception in 2017, the welcoming of the public, the introduction of local, county, and state dignitaries in the audience, the presentation of a check for $1,000 to the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry, the posting of the colors by a unit from the Mount Kisco American Legion Post 136, patriotic banners, the acknowledging of the store’s dedicated associates and management team members, the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, a stilt walker, harpist/singer, flowers, balloons, flutes of sparkling apple cider, and lots of free goodies to munch on.

At 85,000 square feet, the place is huge, most of the shoppers interviewed by Halston Media agreed. However, the prominent signage for the deli, bakery, and other specialty departments makes it easy for folks to get where they want to go. The aisles are wide and easily maneuverable.

Supplied by the Mount Kisco Historical Society, images of the village in olden times are on permanent display in the entrance hall.

It replaces the ShopRite in adjacent Bedford Hills and is almost twice its size. The number of staff have nearly doubled as well, according to Michael Schoendorf, vice president of ShopRite’s parent company, Wakefern Food Corp.

“A lot of work has gone into this building and there is no doubt that you will not be disappointed when you walk in there today,” ShopRite’s District Director of Operations Charles Sladek told the crowd while eager shoppers – some with their carts packed to the brim -- strolled by.

“We’ve been looking forward to opening this store since 2017. As you can imagine it’s been a long and winding journey going from signing a lease to actually seeing this beautiful building here,” said ShopRite President and CEO Steve Savas, noting that the chain has been in “this market for 46 years.”

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to open this great store for this great community,” he added.

Store manager Mackinley Moise, joking that they saved the “best for last” was the final speaker before the official ribbon-cutting took place.

He thanked associates, saying he found their commitment to excellence and their passion for customer service “truly inspiring.” Moise also praised the managers for their “leadership.”

“This store is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with a shared vision and purpose,” he said, promising the public that ShopRite’s goal is to make every visit “a delightful and memorable experience” and predicting that the new business has “a bright future ahead.”

State Assemblyman Chris Burdick was “thrilled” with the new facility.

“ShopRite is an incredible corporate citizen, friend to the community, supporter of so many organizations that help the community. And it also has a terrific workforce. These are union members that do a fabulous job and you can see the diversity that they have,” he said, pointing out that it’s added 100 new jobs to the area.

Bedford Supervisor Ellen Calves thought the store was “fabulous.”

“It’s really going to attract people to the area. Hopefully, they’ll be shopping in Mount Kisco and Bedford while they’re here as well,” she said.

Half of the property is in Bedford, so the town is “proud” to have been part of the efforts to get it open, added Calves, who had worked with ShopRite’s former store in Bedford Hills on different initiatives such as its support of local food pantries.

“It’s been a really good team so I’m sure they will continue the same in Mount Kisco,” she said.

Mayor Michael Cindrich and his wife, Linda, paused to talk to a reporter before heading inside.

“This is a major event for Mount Kisco, but it never would have happened without the tenacity of Jim Diamond (CEO of Diamond Properties LLC, a real estate company) who I met in 2004. He purchased this property. He had a vision. I had a vision. We worked together. It’s been trials and tribulations, an awful lot of money and time invested and I’m grateful that we brought this together. ShopRite is a destination location for the village of Mount Kisco and we hope that the success of this business will transcend into our downtown area,” Cindrich said.

Customer Donna Bass of Mahopac loved the store.

“I’ve been waiting for it to open; it’s new and exciting. I can’t wait to keep shopping here for the holidays. Thank you so much to everyone that made this happen; it’s beautiful,” she said.

Beth Vetare-Civitello, co-executive director of the Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce, was bowled over.

“This is overwhelming wonderful. We are so thrilled that they were able to get this going as quickly as they could. I’m sure they thought it wasn’t so quick, but thanks to a lot of people in this community that, especially Jim Diamond and Jay Black (vice president of operations at Diamond Properties) and the village and the planning boards. They’ve done a great job,” she said.