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Double 8 Foods

Source: Kim Wells -kimwellsmedia

Indianapolis-based grocery store chain Double 8 Foods, formerly known as Seven Eleven Supermarket, did not open for business on Thursday morning at 7 o’clock as they have done for more than the last five decades. Instead, in a move that will likely increase food deserts in inner-city Indianapolis, the stores ceased operations and went out of business.

The family-owned and operated business had been operating on Indianapolis’ north side for the past 58 years serving and catering to mostly shoppers with urban palates. The Weisz family historically ran the business which was sold to and being operated by another relative, Isaiah Kuperstien.

Many customers in the neighborhoods learned of the store’s closure by arriving and finding locked doors with “closed/thank you” signs posted.

The four remaining locations were:

  • 2907 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St.
  • 2947 N. Sherman Dr.
  • 3902 N. Illinois St.
  • 555 Fairfield Ave.

The corporate headquarters was located at 2201 East 46th St.

The company posted a statement on its website regarding the grocery store’s closure:

“It was a difficult and agonizing decision to make after operating for 58 years.  Unfortunately, our declining revenues was too much of a challenge to overcome.

We are very proud to have served our neighborhoods throughout our existence and are grateful for the many good memories we’ve shared with neighbors, friends, and customers. Most of all we appreciate the phenomenal and steadfast dedicated work of our employees. Thank you one and all for your support.”

About 40 employees lost their jobs due to this closure. The grocery chain operated 7 days a week, including Sundays and holidays, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. It specialized in selling produce, meats, and meal-making staples to a mainly urban customer base in inner-city areas where often access to fresh groceries is problematic.

This loss from Indy’s neighborhoods will leave not only a hole in the grocery business in the city, but will leave some customers scrambling to fulfill their immediate nutritional needs and have access to other grocery shopping locations.

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KimWellsMedia Headshotkimwellsmedia updated 072415

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