Kris Torkan, local landlord and landlord for the former Food Emporium spot at 510 Middle Neck Road in the Old Village, confirmed that he has come to an agreement with A&P (owners of Food Emporium) concerning the "non-compete" clause that to date has prevented another food store from opening at this location. "There are no more restrictions," Mr. Torkan told the Great Neck Record.

The Food Emporium closed its doors on Middle Neck Road on Feb. 23, and since then Mr. Torkan has been working with A&P (the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company) so that the north end of the Great Neck community would not remain without a supermarket. Although the reputed "non-compete" clause was never actually confirmed before, residents heard the rumors, which were never refuted, and they responded with anger.

A&P confirmed the elimination of the non-compete clause. Lauren La Bruno, senior director for public relations and corporate social responsibility for A&P, stated: "I can confirm that the company has reached an agreement with the landlord and there is no restriction. We look forward to continuing to serve the Great Neck community in our Waldbaum's location."

Mr. Torkan again confirmed that some of the vacated 510 Middle Neck Road space will be taken over by CVS Pharmacy. The Village of Great Neck's building department had previously confirmed that plans for CVS at 510 Middle Neck Road were submitted to the village last month. CVS Pharmacy Director of Public Relations Mike DeAngelis confirmed that CVS is opening a store on Middle Neck Road "in mid-2009." He told the Record: "Our existing CVS/pharmacy on Middle Neck remains open business as usual. Any change regarding that would occur closer to the opening of the new store."

In addition, Mr. Torkan is also working to bring a new supermarket to the Old Village. He said that he is currently working on "an alternate space for a supermarket," a space that he said would be better suited for a food store than the additional space left at the old location once CVS moves in.

Mr. Torkan said that space he is considering now would be "more suitable for a supermarket ... with a better configuration and accessibility." The hoped-for new supermarket would be for the north end of Great Neck, "in the vicinity," most probably in the Village of Great Neck.

Mr. Torkan also reported that he has begun renovations on the neighboring 536 Middle Neck Road spot. The facade is up for improvement and the plan is to "upgrade the entire center." Improvements/renovations will address appearance, occupancy, and landscaping.

Village of Great Neck Mayor Ralph Kreitzman told the Record that he was "delighted that there is the potential for a new supermarket." Mayor Kreitzman said that the village "did all we could to help Kris Torkan reach this agreement with A&P."