Butterfield Market first opened in 1915. The name was taken from the telephone exchange for the upper east side neigborhood which was Butterfield-8. We were one of the first businesses wired for a telephone service, so we chose BU8-7800 to make our locations at 78th and Lexington. The era predated the supermarket by a few decades: instead there was full service markets on every corner and clientele from Park and Fifth Avenue would call in their grocery, meat, fish and produce orders daily. Clerks- yes, we now call them personal shoppers- would select the finest and freshest products (which of course we still do) and deliver them to our loyal customers (again, as we still do today). Sometime in the 30’s the supermarket emerged, and the old time markets found it hard to compete on price with bigger stores. Little by little the older markets began to disappear.

In 1955, Butterfield moved across the street to its present location. The markets that survived the shakeout did quite well as they easily bested the supermarkets on quality and service (an advantage that remains today).

During the late 70's, many of the owners of the older markets were ready to sell their stores and retire. They looked in vain for prospective buyers until an influx of Korean entrepreneurs began to buy the shops, thus leading to the new trend of Korean markets. Butterfield Market might be the only remaining original old-time market in New York City. Think of the changes of the last century! Yet Butterfield remains a reliable outlet for food, and we remain committed as ever to serving our loyal customers. We'd like to thank all of our customers old and new for making us a vital part of the city.

FAMILY HISTORY

Theodore Appelbaum (a.k.a Teddy or Mr. Butterfield) started his employment at the Butterfield Market in 1951 as the Store Manager, after years of prior grocery market experience, which included owning a Key Food. After working at the Market for 5 years, Ted became a partner in the business. He quickly picked up a reputation for selling high quality produce and providing unbelievable service to his customers. (To this day, Ted still comes to the market 7 days a week from Flushing Queens.)

In 1970, Ted’s son-in-law, Alan Obsatz, left his managerial job at the New York Telephone Company to become partners with him. (Actually, Ted had left his past life experience as a printer to join HIS father-in-laws food business) It was at this point that they took over ownership of the Butterfield Market. Like all new generations, Alan gave the store new ideas, concepts, and an upscale look.

In 2001, Alan’s daughter and Ted’s granddaughter, Joelle, became a member of the “Butterfield Family”. This was the beginning of three generations all working together. Her previous event planning and catering experience allowed Joelle the opportunity to help expand Butterfield’s catering department.

Carrying on family tradition, Evan, Alan’s son, became the Operations Manager in 2002. His major in college (management) and previous job experience, as a General Manager, has been an asset to the family business.