Balducci’s

Balducci’s Food Lovers Market is a specialty gourmet grocery retailer that has carved out a niche with its curated selection of high-quality foods, prepared meals, and premium ingredients. The company traces its roots back to 1916 when Louis Balducci opened a fruit stand in Brooklyn, New York. Over time, Balducci’s transformed into one of the pioneering specialty food markets in the United States, setting a benchmark for gourmet retail.

Throughout its history, Balducci’s expanded beyond its New York City origins, establishing flagship locations in affluent suburbs across the Northeast, including areas in Connecticut, Maryland, and Virginia. Known for its upscale grocery shopping experience, Balducci’s offers chef-prepared foods, imported cheeses, fine wines, and a robust catering service, making it a go-to destination for gourmet enthusiasts.

A notable milestone in Balducci’s journey was its acquisition by Kings Food Markets in 2009, followed by its integration into Albertsons Companies in 2020. As of November 2025, Balducci’s operates under the Albertsons Companies umbrella, which oversees more than 2,200 stores nationwide under various banners. Despite the vast scale of its parent company, Balducci’s maintains a boutique presence with five stores, primarily located in the New York metropolitan area and select East Coast markets.

In recent years, Balducci’s has adopted a conservative approach to growth, focusing on optimizing existing locations rather than pursuing rapid expansion. This strategy has included some store closures, such as the Westport, Connecticut location in early 2025, reflecting broader trends in the specialty retail sector and shifting consumer habits. Nevertheless, Balducci’s continues to be a recognized name in gourmet retail, appealing to customers who seek premium products and unique culinary experiences.

For commercial real estate professionals, Balducci’s offers a compelling presence due to its established brand, affluent customer base, and ability to serve as a distinctive anchor in high-traffic retail centers. The company’s store formats, typically ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 square feet, feature open kitchens, specialty departments, and event catering services. While adapting to evolving market demands, Balducci’s benefits from the operational scale and resources of Albertsons Companies, ensuring it remains a relevant and attractive tenant in the retail landscape.