Jubilee, a local New York grocery store chain, most known for its location in Greenpoint, has taken a brave and bold step by… listening to its customers. Young Kim’s shop already had a loyal following that gained momentum over a year ago due to its wildly inexpensive (and actually good) $2.75 burger; later, Kim added equally affordable deals on rotisserie chicken and bibimbap buffet, particularly in its Fidi outpost. But some complained on channels like Reddit that, while the prepared foods deals couldn’t be beat, the groceries — no matter how vast the selection (including New York-based brands otherwise hard to find) — were too high-priced. This week, Kim is making amends and posted to Instagram saying, “I’m sorry for the shitty high prices and you were right. I thought I was putting the right mark up but if the majority of the community is saying it’s too expensive, then it’s too expensive, end of story.”

The timing is spot-on: As consumers brace for another round of price hikes at all grocery stores – in part because of President Trump’s whiplash tariffs – people are anxious. So far, Young has lowered some prices around his shop, but he has about “20,000 items” more. It’s a move that caught the attention of the New York Times yesterday. “Jubilee’s prices tallied to $30 more expensive than a nearby chain store,” Kim told the publication. “That’s a number that you can’t really ignore.” Will Kim be able to stay in business as he drops prices to match bigger stores? “I don’t know if he fully understands the consequences,” videographer Rob Martinez – who also sat down with Kim – told author Pete Wells, “I assume he does.”

The new 99 Ranch in Flushing has an opening date

Asian market chain 99 Ranch will debut in Flushing at 37-11 Main Street, between 37th and 38th avenues, on July 25. To celebrate the opening, the shop will have specials all weekend, as well as a lion dance and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

After opening in February, Golden HOF and NY Kimchi — the combination, bi-level Korean restaurants near Rockefeller Center (16 W. 48th Street, near Fifth Avenue)— is simplifying. Owner Sam Yoo is taking two separate menus and folding items from both spots into a singular brand, calling the restaurant Golden Hof Korean Bar & Grill. The streamline will be easier for guests to understand, says Yoo, who also owns downtown’s Golden Diner. Moving forward, it will be one menu on both floors – aside from the Korean barbecue, which will be in the grill room on the lower level.