Since 1948, the family-owned and -operated Sahadi's grocery has been holding it down on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn Heights, a beloved NYC institution if there ever was one, and one of those rare places that somehow makes shopping amid clamor and chaos feel vital, even festive. Go during prime time on the weekend, or around the holidays, and you'll get swooped into the rush, but in such a friendly, neighborly way, and with such riches awaiting, that you can't help but think "ah yes... this is exactly where I need to be right now."
And now, after more than seventy years, there's a second Sahadi's in the Borough of Kings, a relatively cavernous (7,500 square feet!) grocery store and cafe which opened just last week in Industry City. At first glance the location inside a trendy, industrial-chic "campus" seems like an odd choice for such an iconic, old-school NYC brand to launch their first-ever expansion, but then you learn that the Sahadi's production facility and warehouse is just a few blocks away (they also run a substantial wholesale business, which is why prices at the stores always seem surprising low), and the Sahadi family is nothing if not loyal to their neighborhoods.
Everything you love about Sahadi's Atlantic Avenue is here in Industry City, but in a more relaxed environment. There are tons of bulk goods, of course (nuts, dried fruits, candy), and a lavish olive bar and well-curated cheese counter, and coffee beans and grains and spices galore. Imports from Lebanon abound in the grocery aisles, but so too do products from local, Brooklyn outfits. The bakery and prepared foods counter has made the trip as well, fully stocked with take-home meals and treats. There are also plenty of items exclusive to Industry City; a different neighborhood and a new set of potential regulars have given the family a little leeway in which to change things up a bit (something their long-time clientele on Atlantic may not appreciate as much).
Mezze
Speaking of Atlantic Avenue, those customers should fear not—Christina Sahadi Whelan, who grew up in the 187 Atlantic Avenue storefront, told us during a visit this week: "Atlantic Avenue is our baby and we're hoping it will be there for another 70 years."
Meanwhile, the new digs give Sunset Park locals an excellent new grocery store, but what about Industry City workers, weekend day-trippers, and tourists? This is where the new Sahadi's really breaks from its predecessor, with a lovely wine and beer bar—a full meze menu is coming soon—and seating for about 80 at tables and stools, inside and out. Equally exciting, there's a Saj Station, where you can get soft, crepe-like wraps (called saj) cooked to order on a domed griddle (also called saj) and filled with things like Beef Shawarma, Harissa Salmon, Curried Chickpeas, or Falafel. All of these latter items can also be had atop a salad, or a mound of freekeh. Portions are generous, prices reasonable, and everything is delicious.
Sahadi's Industry City is located 34 35th Street in Sunset Park and is open daily, for now, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., though the Saj Station closes at 3 p.m.. Hours and offerings will be expanded, follow Sahadi's on social media for updates (718-788-7500; sahadis.com)
