BATAVIA – One of the few remaining independent grocery stores left in the area is about to get a new owner.
Berkeley Finer Foods is set to purchase Amstadt's in downtown Batavia.
The sale is expected to take place by May 1. Berkeley Finer Foods owns grocery stores in Berkeley, Cicero and Melrose Park.
"Hopefully, we will be able to impress you and get you in as customers," Aldolfo Linares, owner of Berkeley Finer Foods, told aldermen Monday night.
The Batavia City Council on Monday voted to give Berkeley Finer Foods a liquor license so it can sell packaged liquor.
Amstadt's has been in Batavia since 1997. Owner Frank Amstadt said he was ready to retire.
The store is at 28 S. Van Buren St. on the eastern edge of Batavia's downtown.
"Hopefully you will carry on the good efforts of Mr. Amstadt," Mayor Jeff Schielke told the new owners.
Schielke thanked Amstadt for his dedication to the community.
Berkeley Finer Foods prides itself on its fresh produce, something which impressed Schielke. The stores receive fresh produce four times a week.
Schielke said he contacted the leaders of the three communities where Berkeley has stores, and received nothing but "rave reviews."
With the new ownership, Amstadt's name will change to Berkeley Finer Foods. The change is expected to take place next month.
