A leasing sign on a longtime Crown Heights supermarket has renewed speculation about a possible move, though sources say the listing reflects lease negotiations. Full Story
By COLlive reporter
A newly installed “For Lease” sign above the Empire Kosher Supermarket building has sparked fresh questions about the future of one of Crown Heights’ best-known kosher grocery stores.
The listing, being marketed by ONE NYC Real Estate, offers the entire property for lease beginning in early 2027. According to the listing, a new tenant could lease the full building or divide it into separate spaces. The property includes a 13,000-square-foot supermarket, a built-out medical office, a large second floor with high ceilings, loading docks, private parking, and rear access for deliveries.
The sign quickly led to speculation that Empire Kosher may be preparing to leave its longtime location. However, sources familiar with the situation say the supermarket is not planning to relocate at this time. Instead, they say the listing is part of ongoing negotiations between the property’s owners and the current tenant over the next lease.
Rumors about a possible move are not new. Over the past several years, there has been repeated speculation that Empire Kosher could eventually relocate to the planned development at the corner of Crown Street and Troy Avenue. At various points, similar rumors suggested that Bingo would occupy the site instead. No official agreement has ever been announced, and the proposed development has not yet been built, making any potential move years away if it happens at all.
The building itself has a long history in the neighborhood. Constructed in 1927, it originally housed the Empress Theatre, a 1,600-seat movie theater that later became the Crown Theatre before closing permanently in 1950. The space was then converted into an Associated Supermarket, serving generations of local residents, before Empire Kosher opened there in 2007.
For now, Empire Kosher continues to operate as usual, and no closure or relocation has been announced.
