Choes outline big plans for Millerton Square supermarket

MILLERTON — Kim and Chris Choe, owners of the Sharon Farm Market, are excited about their latest venture, the Millerton Square Shopping Center, which they purchased from veteran grocer Joseph “Skip” Trotta on Nov. 15, 2024.

The sale of the property to the Choes marks the end of an extended and complicated process of negotiations between them and Trotta, which began in May 2023 with a purchase agreement being reached between both parties, and an additional 18 months tacked on to sort out state and county regulations. With the red tape now behind them, the Choes are now moving ahead on their agenda for the property.

The centerpiece of their ambitious plans is the development of a new supermarket to meet the needs of the area, which stretches from Copake to Dover in New York, a food desert since Grand Union closed over five years ago.

The revamped, as yet unnamed, 29,000 square foot market will offer a wide selection of products at competitive prices including a full-service meat, deli, seafood, sushi, bakery, and produce departments supplied by C&S Wholesale Grocers, the nation’s largest coast-to-coast distributor to independent grocery stores.

The Choes will continue to supply fresh fish sourced directly from the Boston wharves and seasonal produce purchased daily from Hunt’s Wholesale market in New York City. Seasonally, fresh food will be sourced from over 20 local farms including vegetables, pork, lamb, and eggs from their own 129-acre all-natural farm in East Canaan.

Kim Choe is planning to expand the kitchen products and housewares selection and to add more flowers and plants. They also intend to operate an in-store restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner for both dine-in and take-out customers. Asian, Latino, diet and specialty food items will be available including fresh sushi.

Before opening the Choes are focused on significant updates to the shopping center itself, beginning with a redesigned entrance, energy-efficient lighting, a repaved parking lot and modernized interior space. A greenhouse will be added to the west side with outdoor dining space.

They have already begun discussions with potential tenants to utilize the additional 20,000 square feet of retail space previously occupied by Riley’s Furniture, Robert Trotta’s law office, and the liquor store. Renovations are underway, and the Choes are encouraging residents to watch as the transformation unfolds in 2025. The Choes are hopeful that sidewalks and a town/village sewer system will expand development opportunities in Millerton’s business district and expressed gratitude to North East Town Supervisor Chris Kennan for his continued assistance. “The Choes have been working to this day for a long time,” Kennan said. “I appreciate their vision and their perseverance. We are all looking forward to having a food market back in Millerton.”