On the morning of January 23, the local community, together with elected officials and store executives, welcomed the newest Pathmark Supermarket at 3901 Hempstead Turnpike in Bethpage, the former site of the Pergament Home Center. The store decided to relocate from its former home in the Nassau Mall, which closed its doors the night of Jan. 22, after having been there for over three decades.

For months, rumors traveled regarding the destiny of the former Pergament Center and Pathmark of Levittown ultimately decided to move into the location. The new Pathmark was able to renovate the old Pergament store, therefore there was no need to create a new building. Renovations to the median along Hempstead Turnpike were done quite quickly and, once all plans were finalized, the establishment went up seemingly fast. Ace Hardware, already in the construction phases, will be moving into the approximate 17,000 square foot space adjacent to the store in the near future. According to Rich Savner, Pathmark's director of public affairs, the new store has been well-received by the community.

"The store replaced a much older Pathmark, so I think customers appreciate the new décor package which this store is one of the first to have ... in addition to the full variety of amenities that a typical Pathmark carries," he said.

Savner added that prior to selecting the old Pergament site as its new home, Levittown Pathmark was in need of either an investment to renovate or a new location.

"I think the reaction of the customers speaks for itself what the right choice was," he said.

Bethpage Pathmark is a 57,300 total square foot building, which includes all of Pathmark's latest merchandising concepts and new in-store décor package. According to the retailer, customers at the Bethpage store can shop a "path" to one of the finest perishable presentations in the supermarket industry. The farm stand produce department includes varieties designed to satisfy the diverse population of both Bethpage and surrounding communities, since the store is located close enough to welcome shoppers from Bethpage, Hicksville, Plainedge, Levittown, the Massapequas and other local communities.

"We're certainly willing to serve all consumers from any area on Long Island," Savner noted. "We've [been very] successful and the company is pleased with the results thus far and continues to be pleased with the way the store is performing."

The store also boasts a service deli department which has numerous offerings in the area of hot prepared foods, as well as Pathmark's popular rotisserie chicken and chicken-in-the-bucket programs. In addition, the fresh seafood and meat department, along with the hot spot bakery, which features cake decorating, complete the impressive perishable merchandising program. Customers will also enjoy 15 aisles of grocery and non-food products, affording shoppers numerous selection opportunities, including Pathmark's own brand of products.

On the occasion of the grand opening, Bethpage store manager, Bob Flood commented, "Every associate in this store is committed to serving the customer. The entire Pathmark team looks forward to continue serving all our Levittown Pathmark shoppers and all our new customers who will be shopping at a first class facility."

Savner noted that Flood is one of the company's veteran store managers who's been with Pathmark for 40 years.

"He's a native Long Islander and one of the best-equipped managers we have to run a large store like the one in Bethpage," Savner said. "Obviously the results speak for themselves thus far."

Similar to Levittown Pathmark, the Bethpage store includes a pharmacy in its operation. There will be a seamless transition in filling the prescription needs of Levittown's current pharmacy customers in the new store. Bethpage Pathmark will be able to process Western Union and money orders, and also offers the New York State Lottery. Roslyn Savings Bank will have a facility in the store, further complementing the one stop shopping which customers can enjoy.

Bethpage Pathmark is a 24-hour facility, open seven days a week. Employees look forward to welcoming the establishment's new customers from local communities.