You're standing outside with a grocery list and a craving for those specific international snacks you can only find at Food Bazaar. But the doors are locked. Or maybe they aren't? If you've ever tried to guess what time does food bazaar open, you know it’s not always a straightforward 9-to-5 situation.
Honestly, it’s kinda chaotic if you don’t know where you’re going. Some spots are up and running before the sun even thinks about rising, while others take their sweet time.
Food Bazaar isn't your average cookie-cutter supermarket chain. Owned by Bogopa Service Corp, this place is a lifeline for people looking for flavors from "back home"—whether that home is in Korea, Mexico, or the Caribbean. Because they occupy such diverse neighborhoods across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, their hours reflect the local hustle.
The Standard Opening Hours (Most of the Time)
For the vast majority of locations, Food Bazaar opens at 7:00 AM.
They stay open late, usually until 10:30 PM or 11:00 PM. This seven-day-a-week schedule is pretty reliable for the big hubs in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens. You can walk into the Elizabeth, New Jersey location or the East 125th Street store in Harlem at 7:01 AM and find the fish market already humming.
But here is the kicker: some locations never close.
If you are near 21 Manhattan Avenue in Brooklyn, you don't even need to ask about opening times. It’s a 24-hour operation. You can buy dragon fruit or a massive bag of rice at 3:15 AM if that's what your heart desires. It's one of the few places where the "open" sign is basically permanent.
Exceptions to the Rule
Not every store fits the 7-to-10:30 mold. You've got to watch out for specific neighborhood outliers.
- Bridgeport, CT: Usually follows the 7:00 AM start, but closing times can shift slightly earlier depending on the specific street (Sylvan Ave vs. Huntington Turnpike).
- Brentwood and Fairview: These often stick to the standard 7:00 AM, but always check the app if there’s a local holiday.
- Corporate Offices: If you’re trying to call the main office in Long Island City, don’t expect a human before 8:00 AM. They run a much tighter ship, usually closing by 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM.
Why Does the Opening Time Matter?
It sounds like a simple question, right? But for the serious cook, the "opening time" is actually the "freshness window."
If you want the best selection from the legendary Food Bazaar seafood department, you want to be there right when they open. The fish is iced, the aisles are clear of the midday stroller traffic, and the staff is just starting the custom meat cuts. By 10:00 AM, the rush hits. If you wait until 6:00 PM, you're fighting for the last bunch of cilantro.
The store at 610 Exterior Street in the Bronx is a prime example. It's massive—80,000 square feet massive. Navigating that at peak hours is a workout. Getting there at 7:00 AM is a peaceful experience.
Holidays and Special Schedules in 2026
When it comes to holidays, Food Bazaar is usually a safe bet. They know people need ingredients for big family feasts. On New Year's Day 2026, most locations remained open, though some operated on a "limited" schedule, meaning they might have pushed opening back to 8:00 AM or closed a few hours early.
They generally stay open on:
- MLK Day
- President's Day
- Memorial Day
- Labor Day
Christmas Day is the big one where you might see total closures or very restricted hours. It’s the one day you definitely shouldn't wing it.
🔗 Read more: That Viral Picture of Raccoon Dog: Why You’re Probably Confused
Pro-Tips for the Food Bazaar Regular
If you’re tired of Googling "what time does food bazaar open" every time you leave the house, just download their app. It’s actually pretty decent. It uses your GPS to tell you the exact hours of the store closest to you. Plus, you get those loyalty points—100 points for every dollar.
You need 100,000 points to get a $10 discount. That sounds like a lot, but if you're buying for a big family, it adds up faster than you’d think.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip:
- Check the App First: Don't rely on the sign on the door from three years ago. Use the "Find Your Store" feature on the official site or app.
- Target the 7:00 AM Slot: Especially for the fish market and produce.
- Verify the 24-Hour Locations: If it’s past midnight, make sure you're heading to a confirmed 24/7 spot like the Manhattan Ave location in Brooklyn.
- Plan for Delivery: If you can't make the opening time, remember they partner with DoorDash and Instacart. Delivery usually starts about an hour after the store opens and ends an hour before they close.
The most important thing is realizing that Food Bazaar is a neighborhood store. The hours in North Bergen might not match the hours in Trenton. A quick check saves you a wasted trip and an empty pantry.