BROOKLYN, NY – September 26, 2024 — Verada is proud to announce that our 20-year lease of 67-09 Fresh Pond Road in Ridgewood, Queens, to Met Fresh Supermarket was submitted for the Real Estate Board of New York’s (REBNY) Most Impactful Retail Deal of the Year Award.
This deal not only transformed a long-vacant Capital One Bank storefront but also filled a critical gap in the community, bringing fresh food, jobs, and a renewed sense of vitality to the Fresh Pond Road corridor.
Why This Deal Was Award-Worthy
- 20-year lease for 14,000 SF at $65/SF
- Conversion of a former bank into a full-service supermarket
- Grand opening May 24, 2024, attended by Council Member Robert Holden
- Community-first features: heated floors, parking lot, extended hours (7 a.m. – 11 p.m.), and modern design
As Danny Hamdan, Owner of Met Fresh, said:
“I am thrilled to open our new Met Fresh Supermarket in Ridgewood. Brendan Thrapp and Nathaniel Mallon from Verada Retail were exceptional partners throughout the process. Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in securing this prime location. We chose 67-09 Fresh Pond Road because it offers great accessibility for our customers and supports our vision of providing high-quality, fresh groceries to the community. We are excited to be part of the neighborhood and look forward to serving our customers here.”
Community Voices
The enthusiasm for this project extended far beyond Verada and Met Fresh.
- Associated Food Holdings (Corporate Partner):
“We are incredibly proud to support Danny Hamdan in the opening of the new Met Fresh Supermarket at 67-09 Fresh Pond Road. This exciting addition fills a crucial void for fresh meats and produce, ensuring residents have convenient access to high-quality grocery options right in their neighborhood. The new store drives significant foot traffic to the Fresh Pond Road corridor, supporting nearby businesses and contributing to the economic vitality of the area. Repurposing the long-standing bank building into a modern supermarket is a big win for all.” - Michael of the Fresh Pond Road Chamber of Commerce:
“We are excited to see the new Met Fresh Supermarket at 67-09 Fresh Pond Road. This addition fills a vital need for fresh meats and produce in our community, driving foot traffic and supporting local businesses. The repurposing of the old bank building into a modern supermarket is a significant win for Ridgewood, revitalizing a familiar site to meet current community needs.” - Council Member Robert Holden:
“This is exactly the kind of investment Ridgewood needs. Met Fresh provides fresh food, jobs, and community value — all in a location that sat vacant for too long. This is a great win for my constituents and the neighborhood.”
This project highlighted Verada’s ability to navigate a competitive market, secure favorable terms, and deliver long-term value.
As Brendan Thrapp of Verada reflected:
“I first met Danny in mid-2017 while working on a landlord rep assignment at 1381 Myrtle Ave. Danny was the same age as I and was looking for his first solo location. We negotiated a lease that became a staple in a neighborhood that also had a big need for fresh produce and organics. It’s been a pleasure to see the growth of Danny’s business and be involved with securing locations that greatly benefit both our client and the neighborhood at large. Met Fresh on Fresh Pond Road fills a much-needed void and will long be a neighborhood staple.”
Lasting Impact
- Foot traffic: Projected over 1 million annual visits, boosting nearby businesses
- Employment: Over 30 full- and part-time jobs created
- Economic development: ~$1.5M in buildout investment
- Community resilience: Revitalized a once-vacant building into a modern hub
Why We Submitted to REBNY
The REBNY Most Impactful Retail Deal of the Year Award recognizes transactions that truly move the needle — and this deal checked every box: creativity, execution, and community impact.
By bringing Met Fresh to Ridgewood, we didn’t just fill a space — we filled a void in the market, created jobs, and built a stronger community anchor.
Learn More
At Verada, we specialize in transformative retail leasing.
Visit veradaretail.com to learn more.
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