The supermarkets of Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines, Fire Island Market and Pines Pantry, are open for business, for limited hours during this early part of the season, and are taking apt precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Cherry Grove Community Association, Inc. President Diane Romano’s email of March 27, Reggie opened Fire Island Market at 11 a.m. on March 27, stocking “some essentials.” Diane wrote, “We will only allow three to four people in the store at a time, so bring your list so you can get in and get out. You must wear gloves in the store [which] Reggie will supply.” Prepare to pay with a credit card, not with cash.
The Pines Pantry was open by March 26, but, “to keep our customers and employees safe … we will not be letting customers into the store. We will be taking orders via email only.” Orders are taken up to 2 p.m. on weekdays and 2:30 p.m. on weekend days, at orders@pinespantry.com, payable by credit card, and are to be picked up from the north deck, near the liquor store. Deliveries are possible, too, but will be dropped off outside customers’ homes. According to the Pantry’s web site, chicken, some beef and pork items, delicatessen, frozen foods, produce, and dairy are available.
On another note, the tent at Cherry’s and canopy at Sand Castle have been “put up early,” according to co-owner Jacqué Piazza, but when the businesses will open is still to be announced.