'Sweet Spot': Food Emporium Coming To North Brookfield This Year

BROOKFIELD, CT — A new grocery store is under construction on the north side of Brookfield, with Food Emporium slated to open at 731 Federal Road later this year, according to the town’s economic community development specialist, Greg Dembkowski.

"One of the most common questions I get is, ‘When’s the grocery store opening?’" Dembkowski told Patch. "It used to be about Amazon Fresh, but now it’s all about the Food Emporium."

The store is tentatively targeting a June opening, but Dembkowski called that timeframe "aggressive."

“They’ve really got a lot to do between now and then,” he said. “Until they get closer to completing construction and getting their final certificate of occupancy, we really can’t have a firm date for an opening or a ribbon-cutting event.”

Food Emporium will serve an area of Brookfield that has seen significant residential growth in recent years but lacks convenient grocery options. Residents currently travel to supermarkets farther south on Federal Road or into New Milford.

“It’s got a sweet spot location in our downtown,” Dembkowski said, noting the store will be walkable from many of the housing units built since 2016. “With all the sidewalks, amenities, and new shops, I think it’s a great addition for our downtown area.”

The parcel had previously been an undeveloped, partially wooded lot near the Still River and required significant site work to address stormwater drainage and mitigate flooding risk, Dembkowski said.

The project is being developed by a team of three partners who are in regular contact with the town. Updates on a firm opening date are expected as construction progresses.