By Katharine Boyle
The new Shoprite in Cedar Knolls is not your typical supermarket experience.
From freshly brewed espresso and made-to-order juices to sushi prepared on premises, the sheer amount of food options can make even the quickest of decision-makers second guess themselves, as we discovered at Sunday’s grand opening.
There are 10 food stations within the Village Food Garden area, as well as six hot international food bars. There is ample seating to enjoy the food.
And the variety is not limited to foodstuffs. Jewelry, yoga apparel, candles, and wellness services are some of the other amenities in this megastore.
Photos by Katharine Boyle. Please click icon below for captions.
“They seem to have everything”, said shopper Pat as she was sniffing the many aromatherapy bath salts adjacent to the jewelry area.
There is an onsite registered dietitian and a licensed cosmetologist. Complimentary 50-minute fitness classes are offered twice per day, every day of the week at the VFG wellness center.
If this is all too much to handle with your little ones, you may drop them off for up to 90 minutes in the Learning Center for Future Geniuses area, where trained staff will watch after your child while you catch up on shopping.
Alfredo Rocca, a former employee for 40 years at Shoprite, explored the new store today for the first time. “It’s beautiful. I’ve never seen one like it,” he said.
Sunday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony included a donation to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey.
Several generations of the Sumas family–which founded the Village Super Market in 1937–were on hand to celebrate.
Amanda Fischer, director of business relations, was particularly excited about the wellness center and co-op market.
Employees seemed as charged as the customers. Linda said she looks forward to coming back when she’s not working, to walk around the store and shop. Jasmine is enjoying her new customers and colleagues.
“Personally, I love it,” she said of her new gig.
Owned by Village Super Market Inc., Shoprite opened its new store at 178 East Hanover Ave.
Uh oh – did they BITE off more than they can CHEW for their stockholders!?