The Facebook posts started teasing just before New Year’s. “Something special is coming to the heart of Bellport! We are thrilled to announce our newest location in one of the most iconic and traditional streets of Bellport Village.”
Fine Fare Supermarkets was opening its newest location in Bellport. That would be at the former I.G.A. Cirillo’s Market, which closed in June 2023 at 115 South Country Road.
Local residents mourned their old supermarket, and Bellport mayor Maureen Veitch campaigned frequently with landlord Cary F. Staller after she was elected last year.
Staller called Veitch on New Year’s Eve.
“He was really nice and had been the mayor in Old Field (1999 to 2008); his was one of the first phone calls I received as mayor. He wanted to get someone in there who would be successful.”
Staller is president of Staller Associates Realty Inc., a privately held real estate company engaged in the development, ownership, and management of commercial and residential real estate on Long Island. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Staller Center for the Arts at Stony Brook University.
Veitch was in the middle of a New Year’s gathering and couldn’t speak to Staller at length.
“I believe it’s called Fine Fare Supermarkets,” she said of the news, “and they have a few other locations. It’s replacing Cirillo’s.”
But former mayor Frank Trotta had a hand in the deal, too. “Frank called around the holidays and said, ‘I have a Christmas present for you,’” Veitch said. “He’s been trying to help for the last several months.”
Trotta grew up helping out in his father’s family business, a supermarket, Trotta Brothers, a Red Scarlet store that was the IGA of its time. It was located where Dianne and Peter Romano’s Bellport Jewelers & Rarities, on South Country Road, is located. Frank Jr. packed groceries, swept floors, and found products for customers.
“I’ve been trying to make it happen,” Trotta said, praising Fine Fare.
Veitch noted that Fine Fare, which are independently owned and operated, carry products that reflect the neighborhoods they are in.
According to Fine Fare’s web page: “Each store prides itself on fresh, quality food, competitive pricing, huge product selections and a broad range of ethnic foods geared toward its local community.”
Fine Fare touts itself as a full-service supermarket with amazing prices. The first Fine Fare Supermarket opened in the 1970s; they have over 60 stores in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Long Island Fine Fares include locations in Farmingville, Brentwood, Riverhead and Copiague.
“As the co-president and a business co-owner, I’m excited to see this hopefully coming about,” said Bellport Chamber co-president LuAnn Thompson, “especially with a new deli and cheese shop and now an announced supermarket. Let’s hope this all works out. I’ve seen the posts, and it shows our charming community and how excited they are. It can only be a win if it works out for them.”
Pamela Lerner, of Pamela Lerner Home & Antiques, who regularly greets frequent visitors and customers, commented on the news. “I’ve had a lot of people who are excited, people from the city and weekends; there is a buzz and they want to support the new store. They’ve experienced Fine Fares in the city and The Bronx, and they say the food excellent and staffers are kind.”
No opening date has been announced; there was no immediate return call to the Long Island Advance. More news to come.
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