Sandy-ravaged Waldbaum’s Reopens

Following extensive damage from Hurricane Sandy, the Belle Harbor Waldbaum’s on New York’s Rockaway Peninsula reopened with a new look and a bigger product selection on Friday, Feb. 22.

“We are dedicated to rebuilding our stores in Sandy-impacted areas, and we have worked tirelessly to reopen as quickly as possible,” said Sam Martin, president and CEO of The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Co. (A&P) in Montvale, N.J., which operates the Waldbaum’s banner. “Now we’re back and better than ever to serve our neighborhood customers as they continue to recover from the storm.”

The 45,634-square-foot store sustained storm damage to refrigerated cases, cold-storage coolers, freezers, electronics and equipment, all of which were replaced. Additionally, walls and shelving units were rebuilt before the location reopened.

In addition to its new look, the store now features a variety of new offerings, including an upgraded, rebranded Two Forks bakery section with premium cupcakes, an extensive selection of special-occasion cakes, exclusive OMG brownies and more; an updated Hartford Reserve deli department with an expanded line of domestic and imported cheeses; an expanded organic produce selection, in addition to an assortment of fruits and vegetables tailored to the community’s ethnic makeup; a revamped Great Atlantic Seafood Market with a 48-to-72 hour sea-to-store delivery time provided by South Boston, Mass.-based North Coast Seafood; and an updated gluten-free section with such major brands as Schar, Glutino and Udi’s.

Waldbaum’s hours of operation are Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to midnight and on Sunday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.