Lights On In Lower Manhattan

Downtown Alliance's Kelly Rush lets us know what's opening and closing Opening Key Food 55 Fulton St. (between Gold and Cliff streets), 646-581-9260. We have just one opening for you in this edition, but this store has already become one of the most popular businesses on Fulton Street. Any neighborhood with a growing population of residents, not to mention workers and visitors, needs a well-stocked grocery store that caters to a variety of needs. Key Food's huge new 55 Fulton Market is a neighborhood amenity on a street whose residents are more than ready to welcome it. A formerly vacant storefront is now one of the busiest stretches of sidewalk on Lower Manhattan's East Side. The revamped space threw wide its doors to a lot of eager shoppers and celebrated its grand opening with specials and free treats. The 24-hour market-located in the Southbridge Towers and replacing the old Key Food a block away-is more of a gourmet food shop with restaurant touches and outdoor seating that also carries your basic supermarket staples. I stopped by on a "pre-grand opening" day recently and perused the aisles with a horde of other shoppers. I was surprised by how many people came out, considering that this is a grocery store and no one is giving away free iPads, but I've learned to never underestimate the power of something large, new and well-stocked with food and free samples. Local workers will find the hot bar and salad bar plus grab-and-go options great for fast lunches. Several sushi chefs were working behind the counter restocking a supply of rolls that looked to be fresh and more affordable than I've seen in other quarters. Also available are ready-made sandwiches, soups and desserts. In other parts of the market, shoppers can find meat and cheese counters, bakery items and the usual dry goods and supplies. Closings Urban Lobster Shack 15 Stone St. Wendy's 117 Beekman St. As usual, if you see any new retailers or spot changes to a longtime establishment, please email me at tre@downtownny.com, and I'll check them out.