Trader Joe’s has decided not to reopen its wine shop in Union Square, opting instead to transform the space into a new grab-and-go market called Trader Joe’s Pronto.
The California-based company launched this concept in the location previously occupied by its only New York wine store for 15 years.
According to a spokesperson, the new setup allows them to stock more products that are popular among customers in the neighborhood.
Formerly, this address housed Trader Joe’s sole wine store in New York City, which closed its doors in 2022 after 15 years of operation.
The company cited underperformance as the reason for the closure and expressed intentions to seek a new location to maximize its wine-selling license in New York State.
Meanwhile, Shake Shack continues its expansion efforts with a new location opening near Penn Station.
Set to open on Thursday at 1 Pennsylvania Plaza, across from Madison Square Garden, this Shake Shack outlet will offer its signature burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and pastries from Balthazar, adding to its existing locations in Grand Central and at the city’s airports.
In other news, the beloved New York City pizza spot, Scarr’s Pizza, is exploring international opportunities.
Owner Scarr Pimentel recently visited Dubai to meet with potential investors and is also scouting locations in Tokyo for a permanent pizzeria, potentially in Harajuku or Shibuya.
Additionally, plans include opening a slice shop in a Las Vegas casino later this year and another in Los Angeles next year.
The original Scarr’s Pizza opened on Orchard Street in 2016 and relocated across the street last year, while its former space transformed into a sushi counter.
