Here's when the East Village's newest grocery store opens

Opening day signs are up at the incoming Metro Acres Market on First Avenue and First Street. 

The soft opening takes place on March 13, with the official debut on March 14.

Day 1 activities include samples, giveaways, and entertainment for kids. 

According to the Metro Acres Instagram account, the store will feature a "state-of-the-art" deli counter, a salad bar, and a "chef-driven" hot buffet with what they describe as unique, high-quality ingredients. A "Fresh to Go" section will offer handmade and gourmet grab-and-go options, all prepared daily on-site. 

The space is also expected to include a full-service meat department and additional grocery offerings.

Also, the heavily tagged outdoor scene that arrived in 2013 on the building's exterior was painted over...

The East Village Rite Aid closed here last August. The 63-year-old pharmacy chain filed for bankruptcy twice in two years before shutting down entirely. 

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• Metro Acres Market confirmed for former East Village Rite Aid