BROOKFIELD – Local shoppers have a large, brand new food destination as the long-awaited Food Emporium recently opened on 731 Federal Road in the Town Center District.
“This grocery store is a milestone in our efforts to revitalize Brookfield’s downtown in that it is the first grocery store in our downtown area,” said Greg Dembowski, project manager, Town of Brookfield.
The 10,000-square-market celebrated its grand opening last month and on Dec. 20 will host a family-friendly event featuring a visit from Santa and special treats. The newly named Emporium Plaza is part of a town revitalization plan.
The Food Emporium was slated to open in 2023, but various issues pushed back its opening. “Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, construction was delayed several years as well as a changing economic landscape that made construction prices rise dramatically,” store Manager Mike Hassen said.
Additionally, issues with refrigeration equipment led to delays.
“The Food Emporium is a local community store focused on providing fresh and organic produce,” Hassen said. “We are known for our high-quality meat department with an on-site butcher who offers specialty cuts of meat and custom orders. We prepare fresh meats daily, and that includes our homemade sausages and stuffed chickens.”
The aisles, shelves, and cases are brimming with a wide spectrum of food products, similar to items found in other conventional supermarkets. Although The Food Emporium doesn’t have a full-service bakery due to limited space, it does make some fresh baked goods on-site.
According to Dembowksi, for years there’s been a demand for a grocery store on the north side of town. “The response from the residents has been very positive. This is evident from the 270 responses we received on the town’s Facebook page,” he said.
A key attraction for shoppers is the market’s focus on organic and natural items.
“We’re currently seeing a demand for these products,” he said. “We also carry a variety of local items made right here in the Danbury region. We’re huge supporters of local products and currently carry products from nine local businesses with several inquiries still being worked on.” Shoppers will find Brookfield’s own Stosh’s Kettle Corn and Candlewood Coffee; Arethusa Farms dairy products from Litchfield, Foxon Park soda of East Haven; Twin Pines Farms of Thomaston; Goatboy Soaps of New Milford; Ridge Runner Soaps of Torrington; Field Trip Jerky of Westport; and Fascia’s Chocolates of Waterbury.
The building is mixed-use with 40 one-bedroom apartments located on the upper level.
“Mixed use developments were written into our zoning regulation in 2018 for this very purpose – to provide professional, medical, shopping, and other retail business development in partnership with new multi-family housing,” he added.
Dembowski believes it’s a great location because this grocery store is within walking distance of some of the new apartments and condominiums built downtown since 2015.
“With the addition of about 1 ½ miles of sidewalk and 55 roadside parking spaces since 2017, residents are finding it easier to support businesses like the Food Emporium in our downtown,” he said. “Next summer we are planning to complete the next streetscape phase which will add 33 additional parking spaces, 1,200 feet of sidewalk and an upgrade to the crosswalk into the Food Emporium.”
The Food Emporium is owned by Key Food Stores Co-op, Inc., a cooperative of independently owned supermarkets. It was purchased in November 2015 from A&P when it went bankrupt.
