Cover credit – Matt Meduri
Lake Ronkonkoma welcomed the opening of ALDI on Ronkonkoma Avenue in the Kohl’s Plaza, replacing the long-vacant King Kullen storefront. After months of anticipation, its doors are finally open. The Kohl’s Plaza shopping center has been undergoing a facelift, and the arrival of ALDI’s fourteenth Suffolk County store is just what both the plaza and local shoppers needed.
Sitting on a 21,000-square-foot location, the supermarket is expected to be a success and anchor the revitalized shopping center.
The grand opening on August 28 included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and plenty of promotional excitement. Giveaways included reusable shopping totes, a “Golden Ticket” worth up to $100 in store credit for the first 100 shoppers, and multiple chances to win additional ALDI gift cards.
The crowd reflected the anticipation that had been building for weeks, with residents lining up early in the morning alongside members of the Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce to welcome what many consider a new town staple.
Ed McNamara, President of the Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce, spoke at the ribbon cutting and highlighted the importance of the moment.
“This store was vacant for six years, and we cannot tell you how happy we are,” McNamara said. “The whole community of Lake Ronkonkoma is experiencing a rebirth, a renaissance.”
ALDI has built its reputation on a model that emphasizes affordability and efficiency. Shoppers will find a wide range of products, from fresh produce and meats to household essentials, pet supplies, and weekly “ALDI Finds” — limited-time seasonal items and home goods that change every week. The company keeps prices low by focusing heavily on private-label products, which make up more than 90% of what’s on the shelves, while also offering organic, gluten-free, and specialty options to meet modern consumer demand.
The Ronkonkoma location also brings jobs and renewed economic activity to the area, further boosting the community. For many residents, the opening signals not just a convenient new grocery option, but also continued investment in Lake Ronkonkoma’s future.
Shoppers can find the new store at 147 Ronkonkoma Avenue in the Kohl’s Plaza. It is open daily from 9:00a.m. to 8:00p.m., with customer inquiries available at (855) 955-2534.
As ALDI puts it, “great quality should come with everyday low prices” — a promise the company says it will continue to deliver to Lake Ronkonkoma and beyond.
