The New Fresh Start, Now a Cafe and Market

The new Fresh Start.

Last night I was able to make my way to Fresh Start for my CSA pickup. This is the market—now market/cafe—on 23rd Ave near 31st Street. At the end of September they announced they were closing, and I must admit that it gave me quite a start. I reached out to Ellie, the owner, and was relieved to learn they were simply changing their concept a bit. A lot of the things I loved about the original Fresh Start have remained, and they have a beautiful new space now.

Some of the things that are staying—juices and smoothies, prepared foods, dairy, kombucha, fresh vegetables, baked goods, teas, and some soaps. They are carrying Bread Alone breads and pies right now, too.

They’ve installed a style of ceiling that is reminiscent of the tin ceilings in old buildings. There is a bar up front made from old bowling alley wood, which looks great. I also love the ash-colored wood floors.

Their hours are unpredictable right now, and Ellie told me she is closing things up after Thanksgiving, reopening sometime in the next week. Here are some photos I took of the new space configuration (it was at night, so pardon any slightly muted colors).

I’m a big fan of this huge chandelier.

The fridge of fresh food.

Bread!

This wall is covered with sheets from vintage Reader’s Digests.

This is the repurposed wood for the bar.

One of the reasons Ellie chose to make some changes are, “With the standards of the industry getting more and more flexible and larger companies, such as General Mills, Nestle etc buying these ‘organic’ companies, I prefer not to carry anymore.” The good news—she’s going to carry some local products.

We wish Ellie and the whole Fresh Start crew all the best as they head forward with these new changes!

29-13 23rd Ave, Astoria, NY 11105, (718) 204-7868, Facebook