Corrado’s Market, under construction in Brick, Jan. 2021. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
A tale of two markets – one big, one small, and neither are open.
Brick officials say they frequently receive questions from residents asking when Corrado’s Family Affair supermarket will open in the township, as well as the Royal Farms market that has completed construction but has sat empty for eight months. Corrado’s, which will move into a portion of the former Pathmark supermarket in the Laurel Square shopping center, has not been able to open for two years due to a multitude of supply chain issues.
Mayor John Ducey said he spoke with one of the owners of Corrado’s who told him the store would open by July 4.
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“They got their shelves in, and anyone who’s driven past there has probably seen the work,” Ducey said.
Trouble finding items like shelving, refrigerators and other industrial-sized pieces of equipment led to the delay. But Corrado’s has heavily invested in the Brick location, with work having been underway in stages and the store having purchased a liquor license for $575,000. Corrado’s will be the first supermarket in Brick to hold a license, with the store being known in North Jersey for its large wine selection and wine club.
Rumors swirled that the store would not open in Brick after a number of “For Rent” signs appeared near the entrance, however a representative from Brixmor Property Group, which owns Laurel Square, said these signs referred to a portion of the former Pathmark store which was not leased by Corrado’s.
Despite the good news on a store that has amassed a significant following since it announced its intention to open in Brick, the mayor was cautiously optimistic.
“We’ll see, hopefully it happens,” he said with a chuckle, suggesting residents may want to make alternative plans for their July 4 barbecues just in case.
As for Royal Farms, Ducey said there was no update, though there is no obligation for a private business to notify the township of its opening date or otherwise report to officials on their progress. At last check, Royal Farms was in the midst of obtaining permits from the state Department of Transportation, which has caused a delay in opening.
Brick Life
The Other Shoe
