You know that feeling when you're driving down McDonald Avenue under the elevated F train and the world just feels... loud? It's that classic Brooklyn cacophony. But then you pull into the parking lot of the ShopRite on Avenue I, and things change. It’s a massive, 70,000-square-foot slice of suburban-style shopping dropped right into the middle of Midwood.
Honestly, if you've lived in this part of Brooklyn for more than five minutes, you've probably had a love-hate relationship with this place. It's the "big" store. The one you go to when the local corner bodega just doesn't have the specific brand of almond milk you like or when you need to stock up for a literal army.
What's the Deal With the ShopRite on Avenue I?
Let's get the logistics out of the way first because people always mix up the entrances. Officially, the address is 1080 McDonald Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11230. It sits right at the intersection of McDonald and Avenue I.
🔗 Read more: Rite Aid Store Closures Locations: What Really Happened
Owned by the Glass Family—who operate under the Glass Gardens umbrella—this location is part of a legacy that goes back to 1955. These guys aren't just some faceless corporate entity; they're a multi-generational family business that's been part of the Wakefern cooperative for decades. That matters because it gives this specific store a bit more of a neighborhood vibe than your average big-box retailer.
The Good, The Bad, and The Crowds
People flock here for a reason. It is huge. In a city where most grocery aisles are barely wide enough for a single basket, you can actually maneuver a full-sized cart here without starting a physical altercation.
- The Produce Section: Usually pretty solid. They lean heavily into organic options lately, and you'll often find stuff here that isn't at the smaller markets nearby.
- The Pharmacy: This is a big draw. The NYC ShopRite Associates Inc pharmacy located inside is known for being surprisingly personal. You’d expect a "churn and burn" atmosphere, but the pharmacists there actually take the time to talk to you.
- Pricing: Look, inflation is real. We've all seen the prices of eggs go through the roof. But ShopRite’s Bowl & Basket brand is basically a lifesaver for the budget. Their seltzer and frozen fruits are consistently cheaper than name brands without tasting like cardboard.
But let’s be real for a second. If you go there on a Sunday morning? Good luck. It’s a zoo. You’ve got to time your trips.
The Mystery of the Parking Lot
If there is one thing that defines the ShopRite on Avenue I experience, it’s the parking lot. It’s a rare gem in Brooklyn to have a dedicated lot this size, but it is also a chaotic gauntlet of SUVs and delivery vans.
I’ve seen things in that lot that would make a seasoned NASCAR driver sweat. People treat those painted lines as "suggestions" rather than rules. Pro tip: If you can, try to park further away from the entrance. You'll save yourself ten minutes of waiting for someone to slowly load three weeks' worth of groceries into their trunk while five cars honk behind them.
✨ Don't miss: Francisco D'Souza: Why the Former Cognizant CEO Still Matters in 2026
Why This Location specifically?
This store serves a massive, diverse demographic. You've got the Orthodox Jewish community from Midwood and Borough Park, the Russian-speaking population from nearby areas, and the younger families moving into Kensington.
Because of that, the international aisle is actually worth visiting. It’s not just "taco kits and soy sauce." You can find legitimate specialty items that reflect the actual people living in the 11230 and 11204 zip codes.
What Most People Get Wrong
There's a common misconception that all ShopRites are the same. Since they are a cooperative, the individual owners (like the Glass family) have a lot of say in how the store is run.
Some people complain about the "scuzzy" feel of older supermarkets, and yeah, this location has been around the block. It’s not a shiny new Wegmans with a shimmering facade. It’s a workhorse. It’s a store that handles thousands of people a day, 365 days a year.
Is it perfect? No.
Are the employees sometimes stressed? Definitely.
Is it the most reliable place to get your weekly haul? For most people in the area, absolutely.
Surviving Your Trip: Actionable Advice
If you're planning a run to the ShopRite on Avenue I, don't just wing it.
- Check the Circular First: The "Can-Can" sales might be a thing of the past in their original format, but the digital coupons on the ShopRite app are where the real savings are now. Clip them before you enter the store because cellular service inside can be spotty.
- Avoid Peak Hours: Monday through Friday between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM is your golden window. If you show up at 6:00 PM on a Tuesday, you're going to be fighting the commuter rush.
- The Self-Checkout Strategy: They have a lot of self-checkout lanes now. If you have a full cart, don't be that person. Stick to the manned registers. But if you have under ten items, the self-checkout is usually a breeze, provided you don't have a rogue "unexpected item in bagging area" incident.
- Pharmacy Sync: If you use their pharmacy, try to sync your refills. The pharmacy hours are slightly different from the store hours (usually closing around 7:30 PM on weekdays), so don't get caught arriving at 8:00 PM expecting to pick up a script.
Ultimately, the ShopRite on Avenue I is a cornerstone of the community. It’s where you see your neighbors, where you grumble about the price of milk, and where you realize that despite all the changes in Brooklyn, some things—like a massive grocery store under the tracks—just stay the same.
🔗 Read more: Why Ask Why Try Bud Dry: The Marketing Strategy That Defined an Era
Before you head out, make sure you have your Price Plus card ready—either physical or on your phone. It’s the difference between paying $5.00 for a gallon of juice or getting it for $2.99 on sale. Also, take a second to double-check the expiration dates on the dairy; in a high-volume store, things move fast, but it never hurts to be sure.