Pathmark starts its comeback in East Meadow; here's a look inside

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It’s official.

Pathmark is back.

Once a supermarket staple across Nassau and Suffolk counties, the brand is being revived under a new small-format concept called Pathmark Daily.

The first location opened today, Friday, in East Meadow, taking over the former Super Foodtown at 625 Merrick Ave.

The occasion was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony that drew company officials and local elected leaders.

The day also drew plenty of shoppers, too.

“I used to work for a Pathmark many, many, many years ago and I enjoyed it back then. I hope they stay good to the community now,” said Joyce Scherer of East Meadow.

“I hope I like [the new] Pathmark,” she continued. “I used to love the store that was here and being a senior, it’s easy to get here.”

*The first Pathmark Daily location opened today, Friday, at 625 Merrick Ave in East Meadow. (Credit: Andrew Rappaport)*

“The prices what drew me in here today,” said Andrea Lewkowicz of Rockville Centre. “I saw the circular and I figured it was worth the drive from Rockville Centre. We have an upcoming communion so I wanted to stock up on the essentials at really good prices.”

Allegiance Retail Services acquired the Pathmark brand in 2016, following the 2015 Chapter 11 bankruptcy of its former parent company, Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. All 19 Long Island locations were shuttered at the time.

This new version of the chain, however, looks much different from the full-service stores local shoppers remember.

Instead, Pathmark Daily is designed as a smaller, more streamlined market, with a focus on high-quality produce, meats, seafood and everyday essentials aimed at quicker shopping trips, GLI has previously reported.

The stores, as there are more planned, will also carry the Best Yet private label brand and feature Pathmark’s loyalty savings program.

“Pathmark Daily answers the need of consumers who want a fast, hassle-free shopping experience emphasizing strong value and quality,” the company said in a release.

“I’m so happy,” said another customer, who gave his name only as Jimmy from Bellmore. “Pathmark is such an important part of Long Island and it was always my favorite store. It’s better than all those new stores that keep opening.”