Happier Grocery is to open a second location in New York City. The company has signed a lease for 20,500 square feet (approx. 1,905 square metres) at 210 East 86th Street, Upper East Side, Manhattan. This new location, a CSC Real Estate property, is expected to house a health food store in the second half of 2027, similar to the original shop on Canal Street. Avison Young brokers announced this information.
The exact rent or lease term was not immediately disclosed by Avison Young. However, according to a CBRE report, the average asking rent along the nearby Third Avenue retail corridor between East 60th and East 72nd Street was $252 per square foot in the second quarter of 2026.
Transformation of a former cinema space
Christian Stanton of Avison Young commented on the significance of this transaction in a statement: “This lease transforms a long-vacant former cinema space into a vibrant, wellness-oriented destination. It will bring new energy to one of the Upper East Side’s most active retail corridors.”
He added that Happier Grocery brings a fresh concept to the neighbourhood, combining a curated, high-quality food experience with a social atmosphere. This complements the strong residential base and established food retailers in the district. Stanton negotiated the deal on behalf of the landlord, along with Libby Hodes of Avison Young and Max Swerdloff of Brand Urban. Brian Segall and Michael Cohen of Newmark represented Happier Grocery in this transaction.
Retailer background
Happier Grocery opened its flagship store at 365 Canal Street in 2023 and has since established itself as a convenient destination for organic products. The Canal Street shop also offers a deli for hot food and a coffee bar. This lease is the first deal at 210 East 86th Street after CSC Real Estate acquired the property, along with 206 East 86th Street and 205 East 85th Street, for a total of $70 million in June, as Commercial Observer first reported.
