Swanky new NYC grocer facing death threats over insane prices — but has ‘lines around the block’ in first days
The store was forced to impose quotas on items including its gluten-free chicken nuggets priced at $15 per half dozen. Instagram/meadowlanenyc
A new high-end grocery in downtown Manhattan is drawing massive crowds—and even death threats—over its sky-high prices, The Post has learned. The boutique shop was briefly forced to close this week after shoppers emptied its shelves in a feeding frenzy.
Meadow Lane, located at 355 Greenwich St. in Tribeca, has seen lines wrap around the block since it opened last Friday. Founder Sammy Nussdorf, 28, who goes by “Brokeback Contessa” online, said the store was overwhelmed, prompting daily limits on purchases.
Shoppers have been snapping up $625 tins of Siberian caviar, $65 bottles of olive oil, $74 containers of matcha powder, and $15 gluten-free chicken nuggets for half a dozen.
“We can’t keep up,” Nussdorf told Side Dish. “We outperformed all of our projections.”
But the buzz hasn’t all been positive. Nussdorf said he’s received threats of violence, including warnings that people would burn down the store or throw rocks through its windows. Much of the anger stems from criticism of the store’s steep prices amid broader political and economic tensions.
Timing may have played a role. Meadow Lane opened while SNAP benefits were uncertain during the recent government shutdown. Nussdorf acknowledged the optics were challenging, saying critics often prioritize a narrative over facts.
Despite the backlash, the store has been selling out hundreds of pounds of chicken daily. Menu highlights include crispy chicken nuggets, a $20 Chinese chicken salad packed with edamame, cabbage, cucumbers, and carrots, as well as horseradish leek chicken salad, miso salmon bowls, cacio e pepe mac and cheese, and “grandma’s meatballs.” Even the store’s designer tote bag has become a must-have.
“All the hate is actually boosting our visibility,” Nussdorf said. “We have lines around the block and over 100,000 followers because of it.”
Fans of the store now include TV personality Barbara Corcoran, who was spotted stocking up on chicken nuggets and other items Tuesday morning.
Due to high demand, Meadow Lane has adjusted hours, opening at noon instead of 11 a.m. and closing around 4 p.m. daily when supplies run out. Shoppers are limited to five prepared-food items per visit, and the store updates its social media channels to let customers know when popular items sell out.
Looking ahead, Nussdorf plans to expand the menu as new cooking equipment arrives. When fully operational, Meadow Lane will open at 7 a.m. and close at 9 p.m.
“The locals are the ones who keep local businesses afloat,” Nussdorf said. Fans like Kate Friedman, 24, visiting from Chicago, lined up to sample the gluten-free chicken nuggets and matcha powder, proving the store is resonating well beyond the social media crowd.
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