A Heartfelt Farewell to Busy Bee Food Exchange in Greenpoint

Longtime Greenpoint staple, Busy Bee Food Exchange located at 185 Nassau Avenue, has been serving the neighborhood for 50 years. Sadly, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses have forced this iconic establishment to close its doors on October 28, 2023. As we bid farewell to this neighborhood gem, we reflect on the enduring legacy of this local shop and its profound impact on the Greenpoint community.

Busy Bee Food Exchange isn't just any grocery store, it's a family-owned and operated business that has stood the test of time. Owned by the Konopka family, Busy Bee has been a labor of love. Managers Tommy and Tom not only share the same name, but also a passion for customer service and an eagerness to receive suggestions for new products. The cashiers, Hanna, Danuta, and Magda, are well-known for their recommendations on cold cuts and kielbasa, adding a personal touch to the shopping experience. In the kitchen, Teresa, Krysia, and Zosia have tirelessly, and lovingly prepared some of the finest Polish food in Brooklyn.

The store's commitment to both quality and community has made it a beloved fixture in Greenpoint. The Konopka family and their dedicated staff are part of the fabric of this neighborhood, serving generations of families with a smile and a sense of pride in all they do. Their dedication to providing Greenpoint with the finest fare has been unwavering for five decades. A unique blend of old-school Polish-American charm and culinary delight, the shelves are stocked with a diverse array of deli meats and cheeses, various types of kielbasa, including the coveted kabanosy (thin kielbasa), and a plethora of packaged products imported from Poland. The store also offers packaged herring, fruit syrups and juices, coffee and tea, cookies and snacks, canned meats, mustards, jams, and jellies, bottled water, and tomato sauces. It's a treasure trove of Polish flavors and culinary traditions right in the heart of Brooklyn, aka Little Poland.

More than a grocery store, Busy Bee has been a gathering place, a source of comfort food, and a symbol of the neighborhood's rich cultural heritage. For generations of Greenpoint residents, Busy Bee has been the go-to destination for authentic Polish ingredients, friendly faces, and a sense of belonging. Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic hit small businesses hard, and Busy Bee Food Exchange was no exception. Despite their resilience and dedication to the community, the economic challenges proved insurmountable. The decision to close its doors was undoubtedly a difficult one, both for the Konopka family and the loyal customers who have relied on Busy Bee for their favorite Polish staples. As we say goodbye to Busy Bee Food Exchange, it's important to remember the impact this family owned and operated shop has had on the Greenpoint neighborhood. It's not just the delicious kielbasa or imported Polish goods that we'll miss, it's the sense of community, the warm smiles, and the feeling of being part of something special. Our local shops are what makes Greenpoint what it is today. Families who invested in a dream and their community - to serve with pride and purpose.

The closure of Busy Bee serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by small businesses during the pandemic, and the current WGA and SAG/AFTRA strikes, both of which have had serious economic impacts on businesses and the local economy.

While we mourn the loss of this cherished establishment, let's also celebrate the enduring legacy of the Konopka family and their dedication to serving the Greenpoint community for half a century. Busy Bee is open until October 28, so you still have time to visit, share your stories, say thank you and make a few last purchase of your favorite Busy Bee item(s). 

Broadway Stages extends our heartfelt gratitude to the Konopka family, the staff, and everyone who made Busy Bee Food Exchange a beloved institution in Greenpoint. Your presence will be sorely missed, and the memories of Busy Bee will linger in the hearts and taste buds of the community. Farewell, Busy Bee, you've been more than a store, you've been a true friend to Greenpoint. Thank you!