By Robin Cohn
Do you have a fruit guy? Mine’s better unless it’s the same guy. This discussion came up during dinner with friends the other night. I mentioned mine; some enthusiastically chimed in, extolling his virtues. Others swore they had the best. Thus began an evening’s worth of fruit guy one-upmanship. The affectionate “fruit guy” term refers to licensed sidewalk produce vendors who provide low-cost fresh fruit and vegetables.
Both supermarkets and vendors buy from the same Hunts Point Produce Market in the Bronx. However, street vendors don’t have the overhead of bigger stores. That’s why produce costs so much less. Also, grocery stores shun ripe produce in favor of ones with a longer shelf life. Not so for produce vendors with daily/frequent customers. These are folks who don’t want to waste time willing green bananas to turn yellow.
(Note: Produce stands are not the same as neighborhood Greenmarkets selling their own produce.)
My vendor stand is on the corner of West 68th Street and Columbus Avenue. As I mentioned, others swear by their own around the city. Hence, the boasting about who has the best strawberries or broccoli prices. I must admit a friend wowed us with her fruit guy story. She left her wallet at his stand. He called her. She ran back and he handed it over. Yes, that’s impressive, but I’m sure mine would do the same.
My guy is Salim Maati Allah. A former computer science teacher in Morocco, he says he’s much happier here. He gets to practice his mother’s lessons on helping others. And It’s more lucrative. He loves making sure regulars are happy with their fruits and veggies, often offering tastes of cherries, grapes, and berries. In fact, an actor asked him if he received special treatment because he’s famous. Salim, not knowing who he was, told him he did this for everyone. You’ll often see him patiently selecting produce under the direction of seniors on walkers, canes, or in wheelchairs. He greets folks by name, speaking in fluent Spanish, French, and Arabic as well as English. Passersby wave hello. Small wonder he’s so popular.
Of course, there are nay-sayers who aren’t enamored with the stands. One woman huffed they aren’t sanitary. People sneeze and touch with dirty hands she says. Really? Customers don’t do that at Trader Joe’s? Other critics say the berries are often a bit sad. Well, I like happy berries as much as the next person, but sad berries make great smoothies. I’ve also been warned about bugs. Haven’t found any. You should see the ones I bring home in flowers from corner stores––– tiny dive bombers with teensy helmets.
But I digress. Vendors are a neighborhood asset. You can’t beat the prices, quality, and personal service. Plus, there’s the convenience. I imagine readers will have lots to add in the comment section below. After all, who doesn’t have an opinion on this all-consuming topic?
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My fruit guy the best of all, Broadway/81st St!
My favorite so I walk all the way from 72nd sr
I went to get bananas from this stand last weekend and there was a very unfriendly imposter working there. Has anyone encountered this? No friendly very complaint and downright rude for my mood so I left the bag I was gonna pay for. Very different from the past.
The guy who usually fills in when Salim is off is much nicer, but that one was awful!
Yes!
Does anyone know what happened to the fruit seller at 78th and Broadway? Always a good selection and prices PLUS ripe avocados
I wondered the same thing! However, I saw that one of the guys who used to run that stand moved to 86 and Columbus!
Hi Linda,
78th St. and Broadway is definitely hands-down, the freshest fruit, and I’ve been to a few of the fruit stands around the area.
While you’re there, I’m also going to recommend the Chinese restaurant ( New Cottage) and the hair salon with great, great blowouts!
hE’S BAck!
This is my fruit guy too! Both a pro and a con that it is next to New Cottage and cannot resist ordering something to go after getting frutis/veggies
I just want to chime in that they’re back, because I was so delighted the other day to see the lovely young fella who always waves and says hello when I pass, even when I’m not stopping to avail myself of his produce!
They’re back…!!!
They have reopened!
I’m so happy to see this shout out to Salim. He’s so nice to everyone, even those who aren’t being nice to him. We <3 Salim!
I agree! Salim is the best! Such a nice guy, always smiling and helping whoever needs it.
Lovely bunch of coconuts
Salim is terrific.
But with respect – must disagree with the writer’s blanket assertion that “vendors are a neighborhood asset.”
In general street vendors siphon from brick and mortar stores that are an essential part of a community, which pay taxes etc.
Also, there are so many food vendors all over, in some places like Columbus Circle basically taking over the sidewalk.
More specifically – like all of us, some vendors are terrific and responsible – but others are not .
Are they licensed though? I don’t see vending permits on most/all of these stands.
I think the enthusiasm misses why not everyone is a fan. These stands have low overhead because they don’t pay for retail stores (which funds city services via property taxes and commercial taxes), they don’t pay for sales taxes nor do they have to go through the health inspections of grocery stores. The fruit is often more “ripe” because it’s not refrigerated.
Not accurate.
All vendors have Sales Tax Certificates that registers them with the NY tax authorities making them responsible for remitting required taxes. But unprepared food is not a taxable sale anyway. They are also subject to Health Dept inspections.
My beef is they expand too much on the sidewalk and keep their supply vehicles parked behind them (sometimes 24/7) depriving others of much needed parking. And street sweepers are forced to miss cleaning a large area behind, under, and in front of the vehicles.
I have a feeling your describing the regulations but not the enforcement reality for most vendors on the street.
You made blanket claims that street vendors don’t pay taxes or have to go through inspections. It seemed like the gist of your comment was that street vendors are totally unregulated which is not true. Just because brick-and-mortar businesses occupy a building doesn’t mean they totally comply with the same regulations. There are cheaters in both groups. Tax fraud is what put H&H Bagels out of business among others.
Street vendors rent from the city.
Is that true? I’ve heard (very valid) gripes about food trucks not paying property taxes or otherwise contributing to the city for use of public spaces but wasn’t aware that street vendors pay rent. I’d be interested to learn more about this.
Fruit vendors pay to rent to the city with 2 yr leases.
They don’t pay rent. They’re supposed to get permits and pay a fee to the city. They take business away from stores that actually pay rent and contribute.
They are the best! I recently bought a huge absolutely fresh cauliflower for $3.00–NOT $3.00 a pound, from the vendor on Amsterdam and 96 St. I only buy from the various street vendors although I do buy blueberries from the Farmer’s Market up by Columbia Univ.
Barish on the NE corner of 81st and Broadway is awesome. And he takes Venmo!
Love my fruit guy at Broadway and 90th
Can’t agree more with the author. Salim is wonderful. I have bought most of my fruit and veggies from this card in over 20 years. Salim is relatively new and is the best.
He once gave me a free banana! Thank you, Salim!
The other day there were two mothers there with 4 or 5 kids, and Salim was giving them each a banana. 🙂
Arguably, these vendors reduce waste by accelerating the movement of produce that is nearing the end of its salable life to consumers. A lot of this produce would languish at Whole Foods prices.
Minus a few negative comments in here, the fruit sellers, book vendors, jewelry vendors, piragua sellers, elote and tamales etc. are all what make New York thrive. Thank god there’s so much happening here on the street, otherwise we’d be like Denver.
Broadway/96th St usually has best prices in that neighborhood but I echo other comments about how these vendors’ prices are not really that great when you consider they have 0 overhead, don’t pay taxes and drain revenue from brick-and-mortor stores which need our support! Trader Joes generally meets or beats their prices and the shopping experience is certainly superior, but do enjoy the good deals on ripe fruit. I thought the street vendors sell at a discount fruit that is too ripe for the shops to sell. Don’t know if that is so, though.
Generally, prices are better uptown, but the guy on 94/BDWY is not friendly at all. I prefer patronizing guys who are friendly and care about their customers. What I find super awkward, though, is stopping at the stand of a guy I am friendly with, and his berries being rotten or covered with fruit flies so that I don’t want to buy!
The gentleman at 96th and Broadway is lovely, helpful and has the best vegetables and fruits at the lowest prices in the neighborhood. My grandfather was a fruit and vegetable peddler, so they have a special place in my heart for them!
I am just baffled how anyone could say standing on line at Trader Joes is a better experience than walking up to a counter, handing a guy some cash (or card), chatting (or not), and walking away. I avoid Trader Joes as much as I can (I do occasionally go in for some frozen prepared foods that are nice to have on hand as late night dinner back ups), their prices are good but it feels like walking around with zombies, it’s a very strange space that I find unpleasant.
I love Trader Joe’s, but not their produce!
Thanks Liz G! Finally someone other than me who does not like Trader Joe’s!! They have the worst produce. If it was free, I still wouldn’t want it.
Fruit guys are ok in a pinch, but nothing is better than Whole Foods and the Greenmarkets.
Can’t stand TJ’s. And prices on fruit there are not favorable. I will shop sales at Pioneer, sometimes Key Food, but TJ’s is annoying and pricey.
There is no sales tax on fruits and vegetables. If you’re referring to their personal income tax liabilities, they’re no different than others who can evade…until audited and caught.
I like Salim, he has upbeat cheerful personality despite working 12-hour shifts.
It is ironic that a former computer science teacher works crazy hours selling fruit while recent “asylum seekers”, mostly uneducated, who could be doing these kinds of jobs, are living rent-free in the very same area. The world is upside down!
It is ironic indeed. All of a sudden we have to support the recent arrivals (still unclear why now and what changed) while whoever came here earlier like Salim and hundreds of thousands of others have to work all possible jobs in order to survive and make a life for themselves.
Asylum seekers have no work permits. They can’t legally do any of these jobs until they get work permits.
So you didj’t notice that the stand at 68th and Columbus has a C health rating….
Where is the “health rating”???
You speak the truth! This is by far the best stand in the neighborhood, offering a huge assortment of fruits and vegetables (ripe ones, ready to eat) and extremely fair prices. they are knowledgeable and charming in the bargain.
Salim is the absolute BEST and often the highlight of my day with his warm smile and friendly demeanor! He is such a hard worker and has become somewhat of a celebrity in the neighborhood. The fruit and vegetables here are high quality and you always know what you’re getting. I almost never buy from the supermarket anymore! We are lucky to have this stand and such a warm human touch while buying fruit in our neighborhood.
There are two that are really good: Salim on Columbus and 68th Street, and the one on 77th (or is it 78th?) and Broadway. Runner up is the one on Broadway and 63rd Street. I think it’s 63rd Street. I just kind of walk by and pick up stuff I need or want…
Salim is my favorite fruit guy also! The author forgot to mention that he plays classical music at his stand.
68th and Columbus is the best! Even tho there is now a guy at 72 and Columbus closer to my home, I head for 68th st regularly.
Our long-time fruit & veg guy broke from the mother cart and started his own cart, about 6 blocks north. We undertake the longer walk to keep giving him our business. These guys are all gold, and many are related, but we all have our favorites.
Great fruit, helpful vendor. Always stop there when I go to the post office. Plus, he always has a great selection of music playing!
Do any street vendors offer organic?
Yes, they do. Usually berries at their peak, so buy a lot, freeze on trays, and then store frozen for the future. And keep asking for organic!
Salim is delightful. He keeps the stand clean and orderly, has a wide variety of fresh produce and fruit (although the fruit guy on 78th has a larger selection of mangoes), plays classical music and greets everyone with a genuine smile. There’s a more conveniently located stand right on my corner but I’m happy to walk a few extra blocks to buy from Salim. Shukran, Salim!
The. Fruit guy Salim at 68th and Columbus is a real gem. I had inadvertently left one of my shopping bags at his stand. He came running to return the bag!
A lovely and agreeable guy,he gets along well with everyone
Dear Robin,
When I read the headline of your story I knew you were talking about about Salim. I agree wholeheartedly with you. Everything you described is exactly how I feel. I am glad you wrote the article. Salim deserves the praise.
Barbara (a very happy customer)
We LOVE this “fruit guy” and his selection of produce. From our experience, Salim is the best!!
68th fruit stand is the best!
We love Salim!!!! We actually pass by a closer fruit stand just to go to his. My 4yo is his biggest fan 🙂
Salim is my fruit guy too! If he doesn’t have it that day, I will do without. I promise you, he is better that yours!
The guy at Ansonia Station is also much less expensive than other fruit carts in the west 70s and 80s.
Ask for organic! The vendors offer organic berries quite often, mostly at peak ripeness, so it makes sense to buy a lot, freeze on trays, and then store frozen. One of my main concerns is the gasoline generators some produce stands operate for lights, etc. The fumes can be pretty noxious, so it makes sense to avoid produce that may have been contaminated.
Remember when we used to have green grocers at almost every other block? Now it is fruit vendors. All trying to make a living and making the city a very liveable place.
Salim is amazing. He radiates such kindness, warmth, and helpfulness. I marvel at how he graciously handles so many people at once and keeps everyone happy. His nickname is “Papa Noel” (Santa Claus) because of his love-filled generosity to all.
Salim is a great guy, and on top of everything else, he always has beautiful music playing in the background. I jokingly said, “I came for the music but stayed for the produce.”
I met Salim about 2 years ago, after he replaced a very nasty and distasteful vendor. We immediately became friends. As the days went by, I saw the relationships that he cultivated with his customers. They were all special and he has become friends with them as well, including their dogs. This is the way things are supposed to be and unfortunately, you won’t get this type of treatment in any supermarket that I have been in. Most of the people that frquent his stand are not rolling in dough, but those that might be well heeled are also customers. Dealing with the public in any capacity is difficult and he knows how to do it with his good nature. This is the only place that I know of, where some of the customers kiss him and are truly sad when he goes on vacation or takes a well diservered day off. I have seen people come by and complain that they bought 5 pounds of grapes and three grapes were not good. You can either argue or laugh about it, so Salim says take what you want. Okay, Ill take 3 grapes, he gives them a handful. Another man came by and said I don’t want to be here and do this, but my wife told me she didn’t like the strawberries I bought yesterday. Okay, bring them back. I can’t, she ate them. Take another box, I don’t want you to get in trouble. As for the music, which is also a feature of the stand, Salim and I put that ever changing list together, considering that the clientele was made up of many different people, some of whom are connected to Julliard and other music schools in the area. That changed everything. The atmosphere went from I need 3 peaches, to ‘Isn’t that Saint Sans and The Carnival of The Animals?
This is very cute. I must admit, I am not loyal to any one fruit guy anymore, because I find that some are better for some things on certain days; or I just don’t like a price or condition of an item and walk on to another guy, Consistently, however, a guy on BDWY and 90 has top of the line fruit.
Salim is the best nice person kind helpful . His smile is a magic in the stand with a positive energie . Please stay in the stand