Last updated on March 25th, 2021 at 07:23 pm
ASG (Associated Supermarket Group) of Port Washington, New York, has opened two Fresh concept supermarkets, adding to its network of independent stores and to the 220,000 small businesses located in New York City. These small businesses employ nearly half of the city’s workforce, according to a government report.
Met Fresh opened in Whitestone on Friday, April 5. Owners and operators, Omar and Danny Hamdan, “bring an array of fresh produce and a beer-cave concept to the community,” ASG says.
This is the Hamdans’ fourth family supermarket, and the 12,500-sf. store employs a staff of approximately 50. The Hamdans are known for programming stores to the neighborhood’s taste and cultural product preferences.
“ASG is committed to ensuring the success of the Hamdan family as their supplier. We equip entrepreneurs with the operational excellence to build a high-performing team and retail location,” said Joe Garcia, CEO of ASG Group.
The Met Fresh store provides specialty foods with an array of European and Asian import specialties, as well as mainstream groceries and prepared foods. The business is a family affair. “It’s the best feeling to see your family every day. Having the level of respect and trust we have with each other as business partners is incredible. We are excited to continue to test supermarket technologies to simplify a customer’s in-store experience,” said owners Omar and Danny Hamdan.
Twelve miles to the west, partners Jose Peralta, Mario Mendoza and Milton Suazo opened an Associated Fresh located at 1588 Madison Avenue. The store employs 20 people full-time.
This is the first of two stores the partnership is planning with ASG.
“We are humbled for the opportunity to open the doors so quickly, to serve our neighbors and the community, and we look forward to expanding the store by 2,000 square feet to provide our customers with a larger assortment of grocery items in addition to larger produce, bakery and meat departments. We are committed to living up to the name, Associated Fresh,” according to a statement from the proprietors of Associated Fresh, Peralta, Mendoza and Suazo.
“ASG goes beyond evaluating a new store’s sales potential. We are committed to provide our customers with the tools and resources to operate efficiently and increase profitability. We are delighted to welcome this new store to the ASG family,” said Zulema Wiscovitch, chief administrative officer.
ASG serves independently owned supermarkets in the New York Tri-State area and other cities along the U.S. Eastern seaboard, providing procurement, distribution, marketing, merchandising, advertising, promotion and other retail solutions. Banners include Associated, Compare, Met, Met Fresh, Metropolitan City Market, Pioneer and other independently named stores.
