Longtime Lemont grocer Chipain's to close after long history in community

LEMONT – Longtime area grocer Chipain's Fresh Market will be closing its doors this month after 29 years at its current location and nearly 90 in business.

Just down the street from the iconic "Historic Lemont" water towers, Chipain's is holding an everything-must-go store closure sale through the first several weeks of March before shutting down.

Business ownership said they were not able to comment on the issue at present, but would tentatively continue the sale and operation until March 17.

"It's been our pleasure to serve the Lemont community the last 29 years," business ownership said in a going out of business ad on their website. "We'd like to express our sincerest gratitude to our loyal employees for all their hard work. We'd also like to thank you, our valued customer, for your past patronage and support."

The business already has several shelves and aisles devoid of merchandise as shoppers pick through the remaining groceries and on-sale items.

The family-owned business began in 1929 when Peter Chipain and his wife, Alexandria, opened the first location in Chicago after immigrating from Greece, according to the store's website.

The business posted on its Facebook page Feb. 13 saying the Chipain family was "extremely grateful" to have been a member of the community and take part in the lives of employees and patrons across their time in the community.

"It has been a great run," the post said. "Our first location opened in 1929 in the northwest side of Chicago as simply a small produce mart. Four generations and 88 years later, here we are. ... Lemont will always hold a special place in our hearts. We’ve been residents of Lemont since 1980 and have watched the town grow and evolve to what it has become today. While it’s painful for this to end under our watch, life marches on."

To learn more about the business, visit chipainsfreshmarket.com. It is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. through March 7 and located at 1100 State St.