Oy. As if things weren’t bad enough. (They’re not actually.) The news broke yesterday (thanks Eater) -the Amish Market is delayed until at least May.

Where is our @&*%(#&%@# grocery store?? I understand that Hunters Point is making the jump straight to high-end, but we are also simple, humble humans who are willing to shop at a Gristedes or a Food Emporium. Or better yet, an unbranded mom & pop with a savvy buyer. That’s all we need. Some organic options. Decent produce. A butcher who’ll do the dirty work. A cookie aisle.

Is there anyone awake out there? Why are so many people missing this amazing business opportunity? There are industrial spaces available in Hunters Point that are perfect for a grocery store. I mean it’s not like I have to drink my coffee black every morning or anything…people have lived in this hood for decades without a grocery store. But it’s become a nice shtick to chronically lament about the lack of grocery store, so I’m sticking with it. Maybe if I got off my keister, I might open a grocery store myself. Aah, no. I’d lose my shtick and my keister would miss my office chair too much. I think I’ll go buy a condo in DoBro instead.

Faces on 5pointz Studios, Courthouse Sq, Long Island City

1) We all know that Starbucks killed the deal they had with Rockrose, but there was ANOTHER potential Starbucks in the works. Quietly slated to be at 10-50 Jackson, that deal is now dead too. Seems Starbucks is not ready for Long Island City, or vice versa. And no one’s crying.

2) Duane Reade and Amish Market in Rockrose #2 are confirmed for June 2008 opening. Excited and perhaps slightly wilted Queenswesters are standing by.

3) 2626 Jackson, aka Corner of Purves is back on track, after a few months of work stoppage. Scarano marches on in Courthouse Sq.

4) Gristedes (gasp! a grocery store!) is set to open in the Arris Lofts in April/May 2008.

5) The United Nations move of 2,600 workers to the UN Federal Credit Union building in Courthouse Square is on track for April/May. Get ready for the influx!

The Market at Long Island City, 5th St & 47th Rd, Queenswest, LIC

The Queenswest grocery store that’s been teasing us for over a year now is finally blossoming. Only it’s called The Market at Long Island City instead of the Amish Market - though operated by the same owners. I dunno, something about the Amish Market rolls off the tongue nicely… I feel like we’ll all still be calling it that anyway. Old habits die hard and you can’t teach old dogs new tricks. Right?

Also manifesting right next door is the Duane Reade. Need some proof?

Here you go »