GOLF: A kosher market will open in the fall of 2023 at the former Publix in Village Square at Golf Mall, at the corner of Woolbright Road and Military Trail.
Joseph Gopin, owner of KC Market, which has operated at 5650 Stirling Road in Hollywood for a decade, said he heard about the available 40,000-square-foot area from a visitor who lives in the Boynton Beach area.
“I think Palm Beach County is underserved by kosher consumers, especially north of Boca Raton. I looked to have something there. When that happened, I jumped in,” Gopin said.
KC Market (for Kosher Central) includes a kosher grocery store with butcher and delicatessen counters, a full bakery, sushi, imported food, and new products. It also provides catering services.
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Kosher is food that is prepared according to biblical and rabbinical criteria and overseen through local third-party kosher agencies that meet the highest criteria of protecting the interests of the kosher consumer, Gopin said.
Publix opened in Village Square in 1983 and, in November 2021, moved south through Woolbright to a new store in The Stables, a newly built hub. Traders were worried about the effect of Publix’s departure, but say they are doing well while experiencing the same old summer slowdown.
“The village is pleased to have this void there that could damage the total shopping center. It will be great to fill it again,” said Christine Thrower-Skinner, the village’s director.
Thrower-Skinner said KC Market’s plans require approval from the village council because the company needs to make minor adjustments to the front of the building. KC Markets filed a permit application in July to load two external doors for restaurants that are expected to take up some of the space.
The new KC Market will come with two independent dining spots. One will be what’s called a cafeteria-flavored eating place for Italian dairy products, so that meat and dairy can be separated as required by kosher certification. The other will be a place to eat flavored with charcuterie. .
“We will keep the infrastructure that existed in the past for Publix, such as plumbing, electric power and hallways, in one place. We don’t plan extensive construction,” Gopin said, adding that renovations are expected to take about a year.
“My store in Hollywood is presentable, but it’s nothing fancy. We are very busy here. Customers come here because we offer them smart delight and a smart variety of dishes,” Gopin said.
Gopin said the Village of Golf location will be the largest kosher grocery store in Broward and Palm Beach counties, and is 4 times larger than KC Market’s Hollywood store. He also plans to open a newly built store in Hallandale Beach over the next year.
The Golf Village store will employ 50 people.
Village Square owner Site Centers told him he plans to upgrade the center with outside innovations and make it sleeker over the next year, but that it’s probably not a major renovation, Gopin said.
Site Centers announced in July that KC Market will open in Village Square to Golf in the fall of 2023.
“KC Market is a cutting-edge leader in kosher culinary facilities and grocery industries,” Site Centers said in a press release. “Freshness, quality and variety distinguish KC Market as a one-stop shop for the maximum of not easy consumers. “
The Village Square store will also feature new concepts that were indexed in KC Market’s Hollywood store, adding a Judaica segment that will come with pieces needed for jewish holidays like Passover and Rosh Hashanah.
Originally from New York City, Gopin came to Broward County in 2005 and operated a specialty store in culmination and vegetables before opening KC Market.
“We need to grow and serve Palm Beach County. There is a giant presence of kosher consumers there. I think with this addition, more people will settle there,” Gopin said. “Right now, whether it’s or not, a kosher store closes for you is very important.
“People who live in Boynton have 20 to 30 minutes to get to a kosher shop. There are about 700 smart families that are strictly kosher in this specific area. I also think my store appeals to non-kosher consumers who like kosher style. “he said. ” They like a smart chest and a smart pastrami. It’s smart food, whether you’re Jewish or not. “
The roughly 40 merchants and service corporations in Village Square said they were pleased to have been informed that a new tenant is occupying the vacant space.
Michael Discavage, from Donna Michael’s salon
New consumers place the screen on Yelp, and Discavage doesn’t think Publix has attracted much of its business.
Similarly, Anthony’s Ladies Apparel, the largest tenant that remains at 10,340 square feet and in between for 15 years, attracts visitors on its own with its hotel linen and personalized service.
Michele Maresca, owner of Michele’s Hallmark, took over the store in 2015 but celebrated her 35th birthday in July.
The Hallmark store and the interior of the US Post Office have been affected as traffic has decreased since Publix left, Maresca said. they are numerous. In addition, other people resume a normal life and travel.
“The subsequent workplace achieved a record number of people. It’s wonderful for the community,” Maresca said. We are seeing a reduction in our summer workforce compared to the last two years. It’s not a loss, but we’re seeing the numbers return to pre-pandemic levels. “
Maresca said she is pleased that a new presenter is coming because it will be smart in the long term for the store and for the center.
“The new concept is sure to be unique in Palm Beach County and appeal to consumers from all over. “