Tribeca, a neighborhood known for its storied streets and chic sensibilities, is about to welcome its newest treasure: Meadow Lane. This isn’t just another gourmet grocer, it’s the brainchild of Sammy Nussdorf, a visionary with a passion for food, florals, and creating unforgettable experiences. With a background spanning venture capital, floral design, and culinary arts, Nussdorf is redefining what it means to shop, savor, and escape in New York City. We sat down with him to get the inside scoop on what’s coming soon from Meadow Lane.
From Venture Capitalist to Culinary Connoisseur
After years of investing in tech, hospitality, and consumer brands, Sammy Nussdorf found inspiration in a moment of loss—the closure of Dean & DeLuca in SoHo, a legendary name in the gourmet grocery industry. “I’ve always dreamt of opening a grocery store or restaurant in New York to combine my passions for food and delivering an unforgettable experience," Nussdorf shares.
Given the market's uncertainty during the global pandemic, the decision to freeze allocations was made, but Sammy didn’t sit still. Instead, he turned his attention to florals and food, working for renowned floral designer Jeff Leatham and reflecting on a culinary program in Florence he had participated in years prior. These experiences—paired with his love for home cooking and an eye for design—set the stage for Meadow Lane’s creation.
Upon moving to LA and working with Leatham, he was inspired by the abundance of fresh produce, prepared foods, and (specifically) the lunch options that were available. In his hometown of New York City, “the grab-and-go prepared food options are scarce,” he remarks.
A Moment of Tranquility Within the Chaotic City
Step into Meadow Lane, and you’ll immediately feel a shift. Sammy describes it as a “safe space within a chaotic city,” where customers can check their stressors at the door and be enveloped by tranquility. The design, inspired by the gentle dunes of the Hamptons (fun fact: Meadow Lane is named after the prestigious street in Southampton), combines life-size floral installations that change with the seasons, curated scents drifting through the HVAC system, and DJ-inspired tunes creating a rhythm and flow as you shop. “Every detail of the business has been methodically chosen for a very specific reason,” he says.
Outdoor seating during the warmer months invites lingering—a rarity among urban grocers—while an indoor produce garden near the checkout grows herbs and tomatoes seasonally. “I was always passionate about interior design and creating spaces and moments,” Sammy explains, hinting at the store’s potential to become a cultural touchstone in the city. Every corner is a reflection of Sammy’s passion for creating spaces that feel alive and undeniably special.
Classic Dishes, Reimagined
The menu at Meadow Lane is where nostalgia meets innovation. “Some people mistake us for a health food market, but we’re not necessarily that. There are tons of extremely healthy options, and then there are incredibly indulgent options,” he shares. At Meadow Lane, good food is a celebration for everyone. Whether you’re gluten free, allergen-friendly, or simply looking for a delicious meal, the menu is packed with options that cater to every lifestyle and craving. Sammy’s culinary philosophy is rooted in taking traditional favorites and giving them a sophisticated twist while staying true to Meadow Lane’s mission: all made from scratch, no seed oils, organic-first.
Some standout menu items include:
Black Garlic Ranch: “This is what ranch was intended to be but got lost along the way.”
Wagyu Truffle Meatloaf: Comfort food elevated to luxurious heights.
King Trumpet Mushroom Noodles: A gluten-free, plant-forward take on a classic bowl of noodles.
Cacio e Pepe Mac n Cheese: Better than cacio e pepe, better than mac n cheese.
Spicy Vodka Cauliflower with Crispy Salami: A bold and flavorful twist on the popular spicy vodka sauce pasta.
House-Made "Uncrustables®": A playful, gourmet nod to childhood lunches.
In addition to prepared foods, Meadow Lane’s shelves are stocked with thoughtfully curated packaged goods. You’ll find exclusive Meadow Lane x Caffe Panna ice cream flavors, Moon Juice dried mango, Fishwife tinned fish, and more. Each product is chosen for its quality and alignment with the store’s seed-oil-free, organic-first ethos.
“Consumers are paralyzed with this paradox of overwhelming choice,” says Nussdorf. This is why Meadow Lane will offer only one of each CPG product line (i.e., one olive oil brand, one tinned fish brand, one ice cream brand) to ensure they’re providing the absolute best for their guests.
A Gourmet Revolution in Tribeca
Visitors can enjoy beverages at the café and smoothie bar (featuring freshly pressed organic juices, homemade bone broths, a robust smoothie menu, matcha/tea, a curated coffee selection, and NA cocktails), explore freshly prepared foods, and even partake in future catering services. The space will host brand activations through private dinner parties and offer corporate discounts, making it a hub for community and collaboration.
Sammy’s vision is clear: Meadow Lane is more than a store. It’s a destination, a story, and a celebration of the ability to connect, comfort, and inspire through food and design. From the lush floral displays to the perfectly executed recipes, every element tells a tale of creativity and care.
Meadow Lane will open its doors at 355 Greenwich Street in the Spring of this year. In the meantime, follow along on Sammy’s journey as he brings this vision to life through TikTok and Instagram.
Sammy Nussdorf’s SecondsPls Picks
Chez L’ami Louis in Paris
La Colombe d’Or in the village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence in France
Beef Wellington from The Surf Club Restaurant in Miami
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