KING KULLEN TESTS KOSHER KIOSK FOR PASSOVER

MARYELLEN LO BOSCO

WESTBURY, N.Y. -- King Kullen here is testing a kosher kiosk stocked with dried fruits, nuts and other delectables in the produce department of select Long Island units.

SN visited the store in Rockville Centre, where the three-sided kiosk stationed off the produce department is decked out with streamers and a sign reading "Kosher for Passover." According to store-level sources, the display, which is also found in Bellmore, Syosset and Port Washington units, among others, went up the third week of March and will remain for a few weeks after the Passover holiday, which falls this year on April 20.

The glass cases at the Passover kiosk hold large tubs of loose nuts like filberts, whole and slivered almonds, pistachios, whole cashews and shelled walnuts. Prices range from $4.99 to $7.99 per pound.

In another case, loose dried fruits are displayed, including Turkish figs, pears, nectarines, California apricots, peaches and mixed fruit. These are $5.99 per pound.

On the third side of the kiosk and in glass cases, loose candies and fresh macaroons -- a Passover tradition -- are showcased. Items include chocolate-covered raisins, sesame crunch, dark chocolate nonpareils and bridge mix and coconut, chocolate and almond macaroons. Candy ranges in price from $3.99 to $5.99 a pound, while the fresh macaroons, which are actually stored in boxes behind the counter, sell for $3.99 per pound.

Also available at the counter are fruit slices and wrapped hard candies, along with loose fresh candy like jelly rings, jelly bars, vanilla twists and cherry twists. On top of the counter, store associates had created wrapped trays of some of the items available: for example, mixed candies, mixed nuts and mixed fruits. The plates are different sizes and vary in price.

The Passover counter is manned by store associates from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. King Kullen was planning to run an ad locally announcing the availability of the Passover items, according to store-level sources SN spoke with. One source told SN that the items are expensive, which is why the test is limited to five stores. However, if the items do well, King Kullen will likely expand the kiosks to more units next year.