Balducci’s Gourmet on the Go Cafe Opens in NYC

Balducci’s, a once-ubiquitous name in Big Apple upscale food retailing, has come back to New York City with the first Balducci’s Gourmet On the Go Café, which is located within Hearst Tower, headquarters of media conglomerate Hearst Corp., at 301 West 56th Street. Balducci’s said it would donate portion of opening-day sales to the Food Bank of New York.

The cafe offers a variety of gourmet breakfast selections, including roasted coffees, fresh crepes, artisan breads and pastries from local bakers. For a convenient lunch or dinner, customers can choose from soups, sandwiches and custom-prepared salads, all featuring fresh produce from area urban farmers.

“We’re confident that New Yorkers will once again enjoy the tastes, aromas, textures and sensations that can only be found at Balducci’s,” said Emil Grosso, the grocer’s VP, business development. “Consumers are in for a treat at our Gourmet on the Go Café, as we use only the highest-quality and freshest ingredients, sourced locally and globally.”

The business began in 1916 as a single produce stand and now operates stores in Maryland, Virginia, New York and Connecticut. The café opening marks the first step of a broader expansion in New York, which will include further cafe locations and the return of a full-service Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market. “We have retained that passion for authentic food that was the inspiration behind our food markets and have combined that with the needs of the on-the-go consumer for our Gourmet On the Go Cafe,” noted Balducci’s CEO Judy Spires.

Balducci’s principal shareholders are funds managed by Angelo, Gordon & Co., a New York based investment firm with more than $23 billion in assets under management specializing in private equity, real estate and credit investments.