Feb. 10, 2012 —
Slone’s Signature Market in Morehead closes today, leaving behind empty shelves and months of rumors that the independently-owned grocery store was in serious financial straits.
Owner Bob Slone told The Morehead News yesterday that its contracted wholesale supplier, Nash Finch, had stopped delivering grocery stock to the Morehead location as credit had been stopped.
“I blame Nash Finch and the robberies at the Jackson and Morehead stores for the store closing,” Slone said. “The ‘credit people’ have taken over the store,” he added in reference to distributor Nash Finch.
Slone said approximately $170,000 was lost between the Morehead and Jackson robberies. “The insurance failed to settle in that amount,” he said.
According to grocery manager and 16-year employee Jarrod Caudill, the store’s hands were tied.
“We can’t get groceries on the shelves, which means we can’t keep the store open,” he said. “We are locked into a contract with Nash Finch, and they will no longer supply us.”
Caudill said 25 employees will be losing their jobs.
“I am fortunate that I have had a part-time job outside of the grocery store,” said Caudill. “Some have nowhere to turn.”
“The grocery business is all I know,” said David McRoberts, store manager and 36-year employee. “I started in Grayson with the Allen brothers (Allen’s IGA). Bob Slone took over the Big Value in Morehead in 1989, when I moved here, and changed the name to Slone’s in 1998.”
Slone, who at one time owned 16 independent grocery stores, sold his two locations in Lexington and recently sold his Olive Hill store to Save-a-Lot.
Leeann Akers, managing editor of the Grayson Journal-Enquirer, confirmed yesterday that the Slone’s Signature Market in Grayson also would be closing today.
“There are no details about the closing other than we are going out of business and the doors will be closing Friday,” said Grayson Slone’s manager Bondi Dyer.
“There are several stores interested in this location. I believe Nash Finch has some rights to the building per our contract and lease,” Caudill added.
Kim Bandura can be reached at kbandura@themoreheadnews.com or by telephone at 784-4116.
Local News
Related Photos
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Customers have noticed that the shelves at Slone’s Signature Market in Morehead had not been fully stocked over the last month. Bob Slone announced yesterday that the store would be closing as their supplier Nash Finch would no longer distribute groceries to their location. Photo by Kim Bandura
Slone’s Signature Market closing today
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