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As King Kullen prepares to shutter its Middle Island supermarket, at least three grocery chains — including Giunta’s Meat Farms — are in discussions to take over the space, Greater Long Island has learned.
A management employee at the 45,000-square-foot store, located at 1235 Middle Country Road in the Strathmore Commons Shopping Center, said workers were told that the store will close, though a timeline has not been shared with staff. A King Kullen spokesperson declined to comment on the store’s future.
Brookhaven Town Councilman Michael Loguercio told Greater Long Island that the property owner and management team are “working diligently” to line up a replacement grocer.
“I have spoken with the owner of the shopping center, and they have shared with me that they’re in talks with three very good prospects,” Loguercio said. “They’re all being vetted to make sure the right fit comes in — one that serves both the space and the needs of the community.”
While Loguercio wouldn’t name the grocers, multiple sources told Greater Long Island that Meat Farms, which now counts eight locations in Suffolk County, is among the candidates to replace the Middle Island King Kullen.
Seventh King Kullen closure since 2019
Robert Monahan, property manager for Island Associates Real Estate Inc., which oversees the shopping center, did not return requests for comment.
This would be the seventh King Kullen supermarket, including a Levittown location last fall, to close since 2019.
Family owned LI chain
Founded in 1930 and headquartered in Hauppauge, King Kullen remains the largest family-owned grocery chain on Long Island. It operates 30 stores — 26 under the King Kullen name and four Wild by Nature markets — but has faced mounting competition in recent years from discount and specialty grocers.
Loguercio said his office, together with Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico and other agencies, is working on broader revitalization efforts in Middle Island and neighboring Coram.
“We want to bring in more businesses, more jobs, and grow the tax base,” he said. “There are real prospects who want to invest here. The goal is to make sure this corridor thrives.”
Top photo: King Kullen in Middle Island is expected to close sometime in the coming months, and possibly be replaced by Meat Farms. The grocer is the anchor store of the Strathmore Commons Shopping Center (Credit: Brian Harmon).
