North Shore Farms to Take Over Empty Waldbaum's

The shelves at the vacant Waldbaum's on Vanderbilt Parkway in Commack won't be empty for long.

North Shore Farms, a family-owned, fresh-food market, plans to take over the property.

The upscale-grocer was granted a building permit on Feb. 8 to make interior alterations to both the first floor and mezzanine of the building. The new owners also plan to upgrade the building's plumbing, electric and add new doors and windows.

North Shore Farms prides itself on being the bridge between supermarkets and specialty food stores. The store carries traditional items including fresh produce, meat and poultry, dairy, fish, and groceries, along with a set of organic produce and products.

According to George Tsiatis, a spokesperson for North Shore Farms, the store will feature an extensive deli department, prepared foods, a cheese and olive section with more than 600 varieties of cheese, an on-site bakery for fresh baked goods and freshly-rolled sushi.  

"We are looking forward to opening in Commack and becoming a part of the community," Tsiatis said in an email.

North Shore Farms currently has four other stores with locations in Glen Cove, Great Neck, Mineola and Port Washington. The Commack site will be its first in Suffolk County.

An opening date is not yet set. According to the Town of Smithtown's building department, the property can not be used until a certificate of occupancy or compliance is issued.

The Waldbaum's on Vanderbilt Parkway was one of six on Long Island that closed last year due to under-performing sales. The Waldbaum's in the Mayfair shopping center remains open.