Exciting Grand Opening of Wonder: Ridgewood’s New Virtual Food Hall Sparks Resident Concerns

Wonder is gearing up to open a new spot in Ridgewood this month, filling the space where a Rainbow discount store used to be. This “fast-fine” virtual food hall aims to connect New Yorkers with high-quality meals from famous chefs across the country, but it’s already sparking debate among locals.

Opening on September 18 at 56-16 Myrtle Ave., this will be Wonder’s third location in Queens, following successful ventures in Astoria and Jackson Heights. The food hall features over 20 menus from well-known chefs like Bobby Flay and Michael Symon, bringing flavors from places like Texas, Atlanta, and Detroit right to Ridgewood.

Wonder allows customers to order from various restaurants operating from a single kitchen, eliminating multiple service fees, and promises quick delivery—within 30 minutes. It sounds convenient, but not everyone is on board.

Many Ridgewood residents are worried about the potential impact on local eateries. Discussions on Reddit reflect concerns about gentrification and the loss of neighborhood culture. A resident, Irina, described Wonder as a “gentrified ghost kitchen” that could divert business from established local restaurants. She emphasized that food choices in a community shape its culture and identity.

Residents felt misled by some of Wonder’s offerings, as they sometimes found appealing restaurant names through search engines, not realizing they belonged to the virtual hall. “It seems like these diverse places exist, but they don’t,” Irina pointed out.

Council Member Robert Holden acknowledged that the area is becoming increasingly gentrified, reflecting a broader trend in many urban neighborhoods. In Jackson Heights, where Wonder opened last year, opinions varied. Some welcomed the increased variety, while others expressed worries about small businesses facing tough competition. Maria Faraldo appreciated the new Mediterranean options, while Javier Arau voiced concerns about the negative impact on local dining spots.

Adding to the tension, there are rumors of an Amazon Fresh grocery store opening nearby at an old Rite Aid site. While local speculation is rife, there’s been no official confirmation from Amazon. Some residents are considering protesting if it opens, fearing it might undercut local grocery prices, while others believe it could provide more affordable options.

This ongoing discussion in Ridgewood reflects a larger conversation happening in cities everywhere—how new businesses can change the landscape and culture of neighborhoods. As food delivery services like Wonder and grocery giants like Amazon expand, communities must navigate the balance between modern conveniences and preserving their unique character.

For more on the impact of virtual food halls and gentrification, check out this [report by the Urban Institute](https://www.urban.org/research/publication/gentrification-dynamics-and-its-implications-urban-resilience). It’s an ongoing topic that merits close attention as neighborhoods evolve.

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