New produce store moves into Throgs Neck as Modern Fruit & Vegetables to close after 4 decades

The change in business is one that Bob Jaen - executive director of the Throgs Neck Business Improvement District - says will positively impact the community.

Aurora Fowlkes

Jun 8, 2024, 2:23 AM

Updated 183 days ago

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Modern Fruit & Vegetables is saying goodbye to a community they've served for 40 years, as locals say hello to a new produce storefront. Cestra's Farm Fruit & Vegetables is opening down the street in the Throgs Neck section of the Bronx.
Community members and loyal customers alike made their way to Modern Fruit & Vegetables on East Tremont Avenue, stocking up at the local produce staple before it closes its doors for good on Saturday at 4 p.m.
"I think it's important to try to have some nutrition in your life," says local resident, Carltio Green. "So, this was a convenient place to come. It's a shame it's closing."
Modern Fruits & Vegetables has been a long-standing pilar for the Throgs Neck community, providing a variety of produce at an affordable price and service with a smile.
"It's just along the line of great stores, small businesses'... so you're gonna' stop in here for your fruits and vegetables, and it's sad to see that go," says loyal customer and resident, Allison Hammels.
While the produce storefront is closing it's doors, residents can look forward to the opening of Cestra's Farm Fruit & Vegetables, a new fruit and vegetable market stemming from a long line of family-run businesses in the neighborhood located down the street.
The change in business is one that Bob Jaen - executive director of the Throgs Neck Business Improvement District - says will positively impact the community.
"This is not a business that comes here just to make money and go home," says Jaen. "They come here to watch the community grow, to watch the business' grow."
While saddened by the closing of Modern Fruits & Vegetables, Cestra's Farm Fruit & Vegetables store owner, Bajram Berisaj says he is ready to welcome the community with service and a smile.
"You can get fruits everywhere, but the quality, the service, the smiles, you know we appreciate them and know them by name, so it's not just to see the numbers there," says Berisaj.
In addition to the new storefront in the neighborhood, locals also expect to see more community events, newly planted trees, streets illuminated by antique lights, more security cameras and free shuttle busses, all with help from the business improvement district.