Astoria's Longtime Associated Supermarket Closes Permanently

ASTORIA, QUEENS — After what was initially described as a temporary closure, the longtime Associated Supermarket on 31st Avenue in Astoria has closed permanently, the company confirmed Monday.

The supermarket had operated for decades out of the one-story building at 37-18 31st Ave., between 37th and 38th streets. Late last year, it closed for what Reddit users reported was a "multi-month" renovation project — but this week, signs appeared in the market's windows advertising it as up for lease.

Indeed, the family that licensed this location had told supplier Associated Supermarket Group that it would close for good near the end of 2021, a company spokesperson said Monday.

"It's unfortunate," said Michelle Mendoza, vice president of marketing at the Associated Supermarket Group, adding that the store had been owned by multiple generations of the same family.

No reason was given for the closure, and there are no records suggesting that the building has been sold. The building appeared to be under renovation when Patch walked by on Monday, with an open door revealing a largely gutted interior.

The realtor listed on the building's signage did not respond to requests for comment. The only work permit recently issued for the building involved replacing ceiling lights, filed with the city last month.

The closure is certain to inconvenience residents on nearby 31st Avenue blocks, whose closest grocery option is likely now the Key Foods on 30th Avenue, about a 10-minute walk from the Associated building.

Still, not everyone may be mourning its loss: a recent Reddit post about the apparent closure featured one comment deeming it "a bottom five worst grocery store I've ever been to."

"Just walking in made me feel existentially depressed," the user said.