When asked what it means to win the Empire Award, Isaev simply said, “It means a lot.”

“I started in the produce business at 17 years of age, and I always had a vision of bringing quality stuff to good people,” he explained. “I opened my first store in Brooklyn on 86th Street 25 years ago; this Emmons Avenue store has been open for 14 years; and I also have another location on Avenue U.” 

Isaev said that he owes much of his success — in addition to hard work and dedication — to his steady customers and stellar reviews.

“It’s a very tough business; and there is a lot of competition,” Isaev pointed out. “But my customers, they know my quality; they keep coming all the time. My price point is also cheapest for the type of quality that I offer — anywhere in the neighborhood.” 

Isaev, who is originally from Azerbaijan, grew up in Israel and has been in the United States for 34 years.

“I enjoy what it is that I do, and that is why I do it,” he said. 

“I can’t think of a better person more deserving of this award,” Scarcella-Spanton said. “This was so obviously a great choice.”