A boutique grocery store and cafe is bringing its concept to the Upper East Side.
Pop Up Grocer, founded by Emily Schildt, will debut at 1535 2nd Ave. in the former Rite Aid space, according to business filings.
Schildt founded the shop seven years ago as a pop-up, traveling across the country and opening in different locations for 30 days at a time. After several years on the road, the business established permanent roots with its flagship store in Greenwich Village, which has been operating for three years.
“We have a really strong reputation in the neighborhood. We have a really loyal repeat local following. Our desire is to come up to the Upper East Side and really be a staple in the neighborhood,” Schildt said during a March Manhattan Community Board 8 meeting.
The new Pop Up Grocer location will feature an 18-seat cafe and a curated selection of unique, “better-for-you” grocery items, along with beer and wine.
“I think people will find it does actually solve more of the need than Rite Aid did for the community. You will be able to find products in every category that are essentials. You can run down for a razor, toilet paper or a snack—we’ll just be sourcing the best options, better-for-you options,” she said.
The selection includes options for various dietary preferences, including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, high-protein and low-sugar products, as well as items from women-owned, veteran-owned and other independently founded brands.
An official opening date for the Upper East Side location has not been announced, though Upper East Site reported construction recently began.
Once open, Pop Up Grocer will be open from 8am to 8pm daily.
Visit the Pop Up Grocer website and follow along on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates.
