STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A new furniture store called Hylan Furniture is taking shape at 2248 Hylan Blvd., near Greeley Avenue in Grant City, replacing the former Beverage Island location, which had previously replaced Champs Beverage.
The change comes amid a significant consolidation in Staten Island’s beverage retail landscape. Beverage Island relocated to 66 Willow Ave. in Rosebank. At its new location, the business has expanded to include a massive beverage warehouse and the newly opened Willow Spirits & Vines liquor store.
Over the summer, Beverage Island absorbed inventory and customers from other closing beverage centers across the borough. Champs Beverage in Grant City closed on July 4, transferring all inventory to the Rosebank location. Willowbrook Beverage on Manor Road also shut down on April 30, and its business was divided between Beverage Island and Value Beer and Drinks at 162 Port Richmond Ave.
Beverage Island owner Parveen “P.K.” Aggarwal attributes the consolidation to changing consumer preferences and demographics.
“A lot of people are not drinking alcohol,” Aggarwal said, pointing to increased interest in legal cannabis, CBD-infused products, and non-alcoholic alternatives. He also noted that a growing Muslim population on Staten Island, which traditionally abstains from alcohol, is influencing the market.
The transformation of beverage and food establishments into other businesses follows a pattern seen elsewhere on Staten Island. Nunzio’s of Midland Beach has become a cabinet and kitchen store, while Schaffer’s Tavern of Meiers Corners has been converted into a Northfield Savings Bank.
However, the opposite trend is occurring in the Crossroads Shopping Center at Midland Avenue and Hylan Boulevard, which has become a hub for food businesses. A formerly vacant storefront at 2218 Hylan Blvd. now houses Tex’s Burger, joining other eateries, including Miss AM Chinese Bakery, Fish Noodle House, SimSim Uzbeki Cuisine, Dumpling Spot, and Crepe Stop.
Just down the road, another transition unfolded at the former Family Fruit, 2270 Hylan Blvd., where inventory and fixtures were sold off in a summer auction. Operating under the name Karma Farmers Market Inc., the business had been licensed as a retail food store, bakery, and food manufacturer.
As Staten Island’s commercial corridors shift, the evolution of Hylan Boulevard reflects both the borough’s changing tastes and its entrepreneurial resilience.