Hegedorn’s, longtime Webster grocery store, is closing

WEBSTER, N.Y. It’s the end of an era in Webster.

Hegedorn’s Market will close its doors for good at the end of June. The announcement was made over the weekend, and on Monday the family that owns the grocery store made it official.

After 70 years in business, the market located on Ridge Road is throwing in the towel during these tough economic times.

“Webster wouldn’t be the same if Hegedorns wasn’t here,” said longtime customer Tanya Morris. “I mean coming in and getting doughnuts, freshly made doughnuts and popcorn.”

For some, the news of Hegedorn’s closing its doors is not only shocking but sad. The market has been a staple in the town of Webster since 1936. Loyal customers like Melinda Gaudioso have been shopping there for decades.

“There’s always special things to come here that other stores don’t have, and they have their own baking department that has unique and special items, and their meat is wonderful,” said Gaudioso.

She’s not alone. Karen Giacalone has been shopping there for 50 years.

“This is the only place I would ever buy meats,” said Giacalone. “This is my meat market so I’m very disappointed, but I understand.”

Hegedorn’s originally started as a dairy store opened by Clifford Hegedorn on his family farm. The market opened in 1953. Market Manager Jon Gonzalez explains why they decided to shut down.

“Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to weather the storm enough, and we’re at the point right now business-wise where the competition was a little too tough, and we’re just not able to continue past June of this year,” said Gonzalez.

Besides all the customers, employees will also be looked after as the closing date approaches when it comes to new employment.

“It seems like there’s a lot out there right now, a lot of availability,” said Gonzalez. “We’re working with a few other local companies to place them. I really think our employees are awesome. They’ve been fantastic. They’re the best and I think they’re going to have no problem finding other jobs in this climate.”

News10NBC asked Gonzalez what will become of the building after the market closes, and he said there are no immediate plans to speak of right now.