When Andy Sciarabba walked into Lansing Market last weekend he found the staff elated.  The results of the Ithaca Journal Reader's Choice poll were out, and Lansing Market was voted the second most favorite grocery store in Tompkins County, sandwiched between #1 Greenstar Natural Foods Market, and #3 Wegman's.  Sciarabba, who heads the group of investors that built and operate the small supermarket, was thrilled.

"Greenstar came in first, we were second, and Wegmans was third," he says.  "We're very happy about that. We certainly didn't politic for it -- I didn't even know people were voting.  I walked into the store and people were yelling and screaming, 'We're number two!'"

Sciarabba says that the one thing the market staff has tried to do is respond to customer needs and suggestions.  That has meant a number of changes, some major and many smaller changes that has noticeably improved the store and its product line.  The store hit a snag when its cooperative supplier went out of business, but Sciarabba says the new supplier is stable and providing a better selection and fresher foods.


Meanwhile, customers asked for -- and got -- selections of organic and gluten-free products.  Managers are now thinking about expanding the coffee operation, and the Beer Cave was a fast favorite from the time the store opened in 2011.  That was very recently expanded when eight feet of space in the dairy case was re-purposed for beer products.

"It's not an easy business," he says.  "There were a lot of things I didn't know going into this venture, but I'm learning every day.  I think what we're doing right is listening to folks about what their needs are.  We're trying to serve those needs as best we can.  We're a small store and can't do everything, but at the same time we try to respond to customers."

While Lansing is the major market for the grocery store, Sciarabba says that a lot of business comes from customers who live north of town, where there are few choices of supermarkets.  The store does a good coffee, pastries, and lunch business, but the majority of customers come between 3pm and 7pm, many on their way home from work.  And tourism and summer activities have also been good for the store.

"I think at this time of year we get the folks from the lake," he says.  "And people from the ball fields, picking up something to eat.  The Thursday night concerts on Thursday nights seem to help us, too.   We're very pleased with the community's acceptance, and we try to give back as much as possible to the community."


While very happy to receive the recognition from customers, Sciarabba says they are not taking the kudos for granted.  He says managers will continue to listen to their customers and do their best to meet the needs of the community.

"There's not much more we can do other than what we're doing now," he says.  "We're trying to make improvements and see what people think about them.  We've got a great staff and great managers.  Our investors are committed to this store.  I think people are starting to recognize that the quality of the food here is good.  They can stop in very conveniently, which is nice.  I think the community likes the store, and every day more people use it.  It's a matter of keeping things going forward."

The Reader's Choice recognition will help.  If nothing else, it is validation that a friendly, helpful staff that responds to customer requests is working.

"When I decided to build the store, talking to the various suppliers and cooperatives stores can join, they said it would take three to five years before you would break even," he says.  "It's kind of proven to be the case.  We finish our fifth year in September, and we are getting closer to breaking even.  That is our goal.  So we're very, very thankful that we've got community support."

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