STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A beloved Grant City institution is preparing to close its doors. Family Fruit, located at 2270 Hylan Blvd., will permanently close its doors on Monday, Aug. 4, after serving the community for more than 35 years.
Signs posted outside the store announce the closure and advertise a 50% off sale on remaining merchandise. Despite the impending shutdown, a staff member confirmed that the store will maintain its regular hours of 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. through its final day.
An auction of equipment and remaining inventory is scheduled for Thursday at 1 p.m. A representative from the company handling the sale said payments will be accepted via cash, Venmo, or bank check.
While store ownership did not respond to requests for comment, employees appeared visibly downcast as they continued organizing fresh produce and packing deli inventory. Staff members expressed uncertainty about the future of the property.
Family Fruit has long been known across Staten Island for its daily fresh produce and meats, a full-service deli with prepared foods, and a wide selection of grocery items. Even as closure approaches, the store continues to offer its signature items, including Sicilian rice balls, fried cauliflower, Buffalo rice balls, mozzarella en carrozza, potato croquettes, and a variety of salads.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Family Fruit earned praise for its customer service, offering curbside delivery and becoming one of the first local businesses to implement contactless pickup options…