Tionesta’s Farm Fresh Foods & Goodwill Could Close for Good at Month’s End

Blane Gold

Blane Gold

Published September 5, 2018 4:30 am
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TIONESTA, Pa. (EYT) — Tionesta residents may soon have to find a new grocery store to shop at as Farm Fresh Foods is looking to either find a new owner or close their doors for good.

Upon news beginning to circulate last week that the store may be closing at the end of the month, exploreClarion.com reached out to the store and received the following statement regarding their current status:

“There is a meeting between a prospective buyer and the building owner. If they can reach an agreement, the store will be bought. Otherwise, the store is slated to close September 30th.”

After the Labor Day holiday, store owner, Jeff Wiggers, confirmed to exploreClarion.com the rumors of the closure.

“We are currently in discussions with two potential buyers who would like to keep the store open,” explained Wiggers.

“They are crunching the number on their end to determine if it is feasible for them to do so.”

While noting that shoppers will most likely have to face a twenty-minute drive to get the same produce and items that Farm Fresh offers, Wiggers says that it is purely a financial decision for him and that after eleven years of owning the store, it is time to walk away.

Wiggers, who said that Goodwill will also go out of business if the store closes, notified his landlord of the possible closure and gave the proper thirty days notice. He also is hoping to now sell off all produce and items in the store in the coming weeks if the store is in fact closing.

Yesterday, Farm Fresh Foods took to their Facebook page to announce the closure to dispel some rumors that were going around that the potential closing may be a publicity stunt to drum up business.

The announcement was met by sadness and disappointment for those who commented on the post.

Robert Kirlin wrote, “I remember back in the day when it was a Super Duper. Tionesta is a good town, and I pray that someone buys it and keeps it open. Would be a shame not to have it there. It’s like family.”

“Regardless of this outcome, we know that Jeff and his family and the employees have done everything within their ability to stay open for our little community,” stated Carol Berlin Witherell. “Their hard work is sooooooo appreciated. I hope somehow it stays open, but if it doesn’t, it certainly isn’t from a lack of effort. Thank you Jeff and your happy helpers. We appreciate all your dedication.”

Commentor Lori Porter Meinert remembered visiting the store while at her family’s camp over the past fifty years.

“For 50 years, my parents have had their camp up on German Hill. We always went to Super Duper for our food and goodies. Very sad indeed.”

ExploreClarion.com will post updates on the closure as they become available.

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