Foodtown of Frederick Douglass Boulevard Celebrates Grand Reopening with Ribbon Cutting Event

(October 17, 2025) Harlem, NY – A cornerstone of the Harlem community officially began a new chapter on Saturday, October 11, as the Foodtown of Frederick Douglass Boulevard celebrated its Grand Reopening with a ribbon cutting ceremony following a year-long, full-scale renovation.

Held at the newly renovated store at 2463 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, the event drew neighbors, shoppers, local leaders, and community partners for a morning of celebration; complete with remarks from the Collado family, giveaways, free food samples, music, and the debut of the store’s new LED signage: “Locally Owned, Family Operated.”

The reopening marks a major milestone for both Foodtown and the Collado family, who have operated the store since November 1999. Plans for the renovation began in February 2024, and the updated space reflects over two decades of investment, perseverance, and a deep commitment to Harlem. Alex Collado, owner and patriarch of the family, has poured years of work into revitalizing the store as both a business and a community anchor.

Saturday’s event was filled with both celebration and reflection, as community members shared what Foodtown has meant to them over the years. Councilmember Yusef Salaam delivered powerful remarks before the ribbon cutting, calling the renovation “a beautiful space” and a “testimony to the legacy, dedication, and desire” of the Collado family. He added, “Our communities need beauty because it does something for the soul. When you see beautiful things happening around you, you want to do beautiful things. This store is a shining example of how to build and sustain businesses in our community. Economic empowerment begins right here.”

Also in attendance were Russell Smith, President of the 32nd Precinct Community Council, and Recording Secretary Brenda McLaughlin. Smith, who owned the barbershop across the street for 32 years, shared a personal perspective. “I remember when this store was just an empty lot. Since the Collado family came on board, they’ve been incredibly helpful to the community. They bring more business, more connection, and more opportunity to our neighborhood.” Smith, who distributes turkeys every Thanksgiving, announced a new partnership with Foodtown to provide shopping vouchers for local residents in need. McLaughlin praised the store’s atmosphere, saying, “It’s warm and welcoming. It makes you want to shop.”

The celebration also honored the next generation of Collado’s: Iliana, Josue, and Carolina, who now co-manage three Foodtown stores across Harlem and the Bronx. Their presence signifies a new era of leadership rooted in family, tradition, and community service.

Among the guests was long-time shopper Ms. Christina Riley, affectionately known in the neighborhood as “Miss Foodtown.” A loyal customer who lives just a block away, she expressed heartfelt excitement about the store’s transformation: “It’s wonderful, the collection, the way it looks, it’s beautiful. I’m in love with the new store,” she said. “I’m so happy my local store provides me with so much.”

Adding to the energy of the day, team members from MTM (More Than Money), Luis, Emily, and Ephraim, represented the Harlem-based clothing brand founded by artist and entrepreneur Isaiah Ramos. Close friends of Josue Collado, the trio showcased pieces from the MTM collection and played music by Ramos, bringing a uniquely local flair that celebrated Harlem’s creative culture and community spirit.

The 5,000-square-foot renovation included upgrades to lighting, flooring, refrigeration, display cases, and overall layout, ensuring a more modern, efficient, and shopper-friendly experience. From fresh produce and organic staples to affordable pantry essentials and grab-and-go meals, the updated Foodtown is designed to meet the needs of Harlem’s growing and diverse population.

Notably, the timing of the renovation and grand reopening aligns with the recent opening of The Franklin, a new 52-unit residential building developed by Timber Equities directly across the street. With a mix of 30% affordable and 70% market-rate housing, The Franklin brings new residents into the neighborhood, making Foodtown’s investment in modernizing its space especially timely and impactful.

About Allegiance Retail Services LLC

Allegiance Retail Services, LLC supports independent supermarkets (e.g., Foodtown, Freshtown, D’Agostino, Gristedes, Pathmark, LaBella Marketplace, Brooklyn Harvest, Market Fresh, Big Deal Food Market, Green Way Markets, Marrazzo’s Market, and Shop n Bag) for retail success by providing them with marketing, advertising, technological and merchandising support. For more information, please visit www.allegianceretailservices.com.