By Zarah Kavarana
After the Armonk A&P Supermarket closed its doors in February 2012, North Castle residents were left to travel farther to bordering Westchester towns for their weekly groceries – until now. Armonk welcomes DeCicco’s Family Markets, a second generation chain with multiple locations spanning Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, and Orange counties. DeCicco’s officially opened its 11th store in Armonk on June 14 to thousands of customers–including an an enthusiastic reception from New Castle residents eager for their own full service market–following an invitation-only grand opening party for family, friends, vendors, and local dignitaries the day before.
Always looking for new locations, family owners John Jr., Chris, and Joe Jr. were approached by developers for Armonk Square a few years ago. They unanimously agreed upon the area, and decided to pursue the location.
“Everyone from Armonk has welcomed us with open arms, and I think we’re a great fit for the community,” said John Jr. DeCicco. “We’re very appreciative that everyone in the community and in the town has helped us so much. So far we really love being here.”
Designed by Antonucci and Associates, the two-story, 18,000-sq-ft store is the company’s second largest location, subsequent to its Brewster store. The store is decorated with cherry wood walls, custom tile flooring, stone work, as well as a copper and tin ceiling. The second-floor space incorporates unique features such as a gastro pub, bocce ball court, rental space for parties and events, as well as a demo kitchen where cooking classes are taught by celebrity chefs.
DeCicco’s offers top quality, a large variety, and great service. Here, customers can enjoy a full-service deli, meat department with a large selection of prime, aged steaks, bakery with goods baked fresh on the premises, seafood department, an assortment of gourmet and specialty foods, a large array of cheeses and beers imported from around the world, produce department with fruits and vegetables from local farms, as well as organic and international products, and a prepared foods section with readymade dinner items.
“Because we’re an independent chain, we really have the flexibility to buy from a lot of vendors. We’re not really locked in to a single mind set of what products we’re going to offer,” said Joe Jr. DeCicco. “No matter which store it is, our focus is always quality. We really pride ourselves in tailoring items to the tastes of the town or the community we’re serving.”
DeCicco’s gives back to its community regularly. It is involved with a number of civic and community-related groups, such as schools, Little Leagues, churches, and Chambers of Commerce. DeCicco’s makes a conscious effort to give back to as many programs as possible, however most of the donations are made to the school districts in which they do business. 1% of sales are given to the local PTAs for them to allocate the funds as they choose. Donations to other organizations are given in the form of products or gift certificates.
The grand opening event on June 13 featured music from DJ Joe Fratto, who is also the manager of the store’s deli department, and a performance by Italian tenor Luciano Lamonarca. County Legislator, Michael J. Smith attended and spoke on behalf of the Board of Legislators and County Executive Robert Astorino to thank DeCicco’s for its commitment and involvement in the Westchester community.
DeCicco’s Family Markets was first started 40 years ago in 1972 by brothers John, Joe, and Frank DeCicco. They began with a tiny storefront butcher shop in the Bronx, and expanded to another larger location down the street a few years later. A total of four stores belong to the first generation. In 2006, members of the second generation, brothers John Jr. and Chris and their cousin Joe Jr., opened the first of their four stores in Ardsley. Three stores were opened by other family members. DeCicco’s has eventually grown into a household business with eleven locations in Ardsley, Brewster, Chester Heights, Cornwall, Cross River, Harrison, Jefferson Valley, New City, Pelham, Scarsdale, and now Armonk. Over the years, DeCicco’s has built itself a reputation of being the food market of choice for food lovers and cooks alike.
To enjoy the DeCicco’s experience yourself, be sure to visit the store at 17 Maple Avenue, Armonk Square in Downtown Armonk.
