The Amagansett Farmer’s Market didn’t open this summer for the first time in 55 years, but it’s set to be back in business August 1 now that the Peconic Land Trust, which took control of the space, signed up Eli Zabar to run the market. Some locals, however, fear what a fancy Manhattanite will do to the lower-key anti-Citarella of East End food shops. “I take my coffee light and sweet,” says one Amagansett year-rounder. “I don’t need a fancy espresso bar.” And a local contractor worries that “a high-end outlet with New York City prices would alienate the working locals.” Eli’s brothers Saul and Stanley own the family’s Upper West Side emporium; he’s the East Side impresario of upscale Eli’s, eat, and the Vinegar Factory. But he promises the Farmer’s Market won’t go high-end. “It’s not going to be fancy,” he says. “It’s not a Citarella. We don’t need another high-end grocery story here. The look will remain the same. I can’t even change the awning without permission, not that I would anyway.”

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