Happier Grocery is preparing to open a second Manhattan store, this time in a space that has stood empty for several years on Third Avenue near East 86th Street. The former City Cinemas theater, once a neighborhood staple, has not shown a film since before the pandemic. Last week, plywood fences surrounded the building, and a construction notice identified Happier Grocery as the new tenant.

The original Happier Grocery in Chelsea markets organic produce, prepared foods, and a selection of upscale snacks. The company positions itself as a local alternative to chains like Erewhon in Los Angeles. Upper East Side residents, accustomed to established grocers like Fairway and Morton Williams, may soon have a different option for specialty items.

On Friday morning, a handful of passersby stopped to read the construction notice. One local, who declined to give her name, said she missed having a grocery store with a wider organic selection in the neighborhood. The surrounding block is dense with retail, but fresh produce options remain limited.

A representative for Happier Grocery said the new location is scheduled to open later this fall. The company did not provide an exact date or details about the store’s footprint. The theater’s old marquee remains in place for now, though workers inside have begun clearing out seats and equipment.

The Upper East Side has seen several legacy grocers close in the past two years, leaving gaps that new businesses are moving to fill. This fall, Happier Grocery joins a shifting retail landscape as the neighborhood adapts to changing shopping habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the new Happier Grocery location opening on the Upper East Side?

Happier Grocery is opening its second Manhattan store in the former City Cinemas theater on Third Avenue near East 86th Street. The building has been vacant for several years.

When will the new Happier Grocery on the Upper East Side open?

A company representative said the store is scheduled to open later this fall. No exact opening date or details about the store’s footprint have been provided.

What does Happier Grocery sell?

Happier Grocery markets organic produce, prepared foods, and a selection of upscale snacks. The company positions itself as a local alternative to chains like Erewhon in Los Angeles.

Where is the original Happier Grocery store located?

The original Happier Grocery is in Chelsea, Manhattan. The Upper East Side location will be its second Manhattan store.

What happened to the former City Cinemas theater on Third Avenue near East 86th Street?

The theater has not shown a film since before the pandemic and has sat empty for several years. Plywood fences and a construction notice naming Happier Grocery as tenant are now up, and workers have begun clearing out seats and equipment while the old marquee remains for now.

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