Monday, February 9, 2026

New signs up as Metro Acres Market nears opening on 1st Avenue and 5th Street

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

Metro Acres Market is nearing opening at the southwest corner of Fifth Street and First Avenue, taking over the former Rite Aid space. 

Owner Ennis Said — pictured below (left) with the store's contractor — is targeting an opening in early March, though he says it could even happen by the end of February if everything stays on schedule.
Friday marked a visible step forward: the old Rite Aid signage came down, and new Metro Acres Market signs arrived. Said noted that awnings are next.
During a walkthrough of the space, Said pointed out plans for a deli counter, a possible salad bar area, and sections dedicated to prepared foods. There's also a kitchen in the basement, and the market will include a full-service meat department.
More soon as the opening date comes into focus. 

And in case you were wondering: the Rite Aid letters aren't headed to a pharmacy hall of fame or a signage museum. Workers were preparing to toss them in the trash.
The East Village Rite Aid closed last August. The 63-year-old pharmacy chain filed for bankruptcy twice in two years before shutting down entirely. 
 

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