Hegedorn's Market in Webster to close after 70 years in business. Here's why
A popular family-owned grocery store in Webster will permanently close this summer. Representatives from the store confirmed that Hegedorn's Market, 964 Ridge Road, will close after 70 years in June.
Manager Jonathan Gonzalez said the pending closure was the result of a difficult market.
"It's a tough gig to be an independent grocer now," said Gonzalez, the grandson of store founder Bruce Hegedorn. "It's sad but its been a great run. This business has come to an end of its life cycle."
About Hegedorn's Market in Webster NY
In 1953, Bruce Hegedorn and his wife, Mary, opened a 2,000-square-foot market at the corner of Ridge and Hard roads in Webster as an IGA store. After several expansions, the store is now 45,000 square feet, with a floral shop, bakery and a large selection of craft beers, but it remained family-owned and -operated. Second- and third-generation owners of the market work side by side with staffers who have worked there for decades and know their customers.
More:Why small grocers like Hegedorn's close. And why it matters
The Hegedorn family has been selling food on The Ridge since Bruce Hegedorn's father, Clifford, opened a dairy store at the family farm in 1936. Back then, a quart of milk cost a dime and was delivered to customers' doors packed in ice.
Bruce Hegedorn returned to Webster after college in the early 1950s with plans to become a physical education teacher, but became inspired when he learned his parents sold their dairy store. He bought about 6.5 acres near Hard and Ridge roads from his father and with a loan from the bank built a small market on the property.
Approximately 120 people work at the store, Gonzalez said. The Hegedorn family also owns roughly two dozen local Bill Gray's and Tom Wahl's restaurants, as well as other properties throughout Webster. Gonzalez said the closure would not impact any of the restaurants.
Shoppers react on social media to Hegedorn's closing
"It’s like getting the news that an old dear friend that you expected to outlive you is dying. My favorite store. Terrible loss for Webster."
"That's the best place to go...parking is convenient and they always have what we need and can't find elsewhere. So sorry to see them go. Any chance someone could buy it?"
"I am there almost every day! The deli, bread, seafood, meat department and all the products in the rest of the store that you can’t get any where else. Easy to park and everyone so helpful and kind - they will truly be missed."
"End of an era and sad to see them go. That store and their families have supported our community in amazing ways."
What's next for the Hegedorn's store location?
Gonzalez said that nothing has been planned yet for what will take over the store's footprint.
"We have a lot of ideas on the table, but nothing we're ready to move on yet," he said.
The market is expected to close sometime in June - an official closing date has not yet been set. In the months leading up to the last day, Gonzalez said the store will continue to offer products it has traditionally offered. That may change closer to the final day, since "we've never done this before," Gonzalez said.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Hegedorn's Market in Webster NY to close after 70 years in business
