Pioneer Supermarket Now Open On The UWS Sundays

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — The Pioneer Supermarket on Columbus Avenue open for business on Sundays – the first time it has done so in 58 years.

The store, which the West Side Rag reported opened in 1959, has always been a family-run business. Pointing to the friendly nature of the business, they have been known to accept payment in the form of IOUs, according to West Side Rag.

Part of the reason for the store deciding to open its doors on Sundays is competition. An employee, Frank, told the Rag that "Two years ago we didn't [have competition]. Now it's vicious."

Pioneer has stayed in the family for decades. After owner Lenny Franzblau, who was a staple of the Upper West Side, died in 2014, his son and their employees took over.

The Rag reported that Pioneer's customers like them for the personal touch they add, distinguishing them from many chain grocery stores. Rhadia, who has lived on the Upper West Side for five years, told the Rag that, "There’s obviously something special about coming to a place that’s been in business as long as they have."

"It’s good when they know you because they’ll tell you what to get—what’s the freshest."

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