Feature News

BOSTON, Jan. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Edens & Avant announced today Uncle Giuseppe's Marketplace will open in space formerly occupied by Stop & Shop at Port Plaza, the company's 176,000-square foot center in Port Jefferson Station, Long Island. Known for its neighborhood market feel as much as for the fresh ingredients chefs use to prepare hundreds of dishes daily, the full-line grocer has a loyal following of food lovers.

A tremendous perishable department, over 350 varieties of specialty cheeses and competitive prices are a few reasons shoppers at Port Plaza will understand why "Qui si mangia bene!" - "Here, one eats well," - is Uncle Giuseppe's slogan. This store, scheduled to open in early 2010, will mark the fourth on Long Island for the Italian-themed grocer.

"Uncle Giuseppe's is a unique grocery shopping experience, and the hands-on approach by the owners is evident in the service they provide, the way they treat their employees and customers and the quality of the food available at the store," commented Elizabeth Furnelli, Edens & Avant Vice President of Development. "They do a fantastic job of not only serving their customers, but entertaining them as well."

Much of Uncle Giuseppe's character is found in the atmosphere, from the store's design features to the arrangement of the food. Shoppers can expect to feel like they are in an authentic market in Italy with salamis hanging from the ceiling and Italian singers serenading them nearby. Fresh pasta, meat cut to order and bread baked and delivered daily from Arthur Avenue are samples of what the store will offer.

"We are very excited about coming to Port Jefferson and look forward to welcoming the people of this town and the surrounding communities into our store," said Philip DelPrete, who owns Uncle Giuseppe's with brothers Carl and Joseph DelPrete and operating partner Thomas Barresi.

Uncle Giuseppe's will join 20 other retailers in the center, which is located in a dense area of Port Jefferson Station. Historically recognized as "Long Island's Seaport," the area also is a popular tourist destination.

About Edens & Avant

With 140 shopping centers in 14 East Coast states - including 35 centers in the Northeast - Edens & Avant is one of the leading retail real estate companies in the nation. The Company's portfolio consists of neighborhood, lifestyle and power centers, with many located in infill locations in urban markets. Edens & Avant has regional headquarters in Boston, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Miami and Columbia, S.C. (Corporate Office). For additional information about the Company and its retail real estate portfolio, please visit www.edensandavant.com .