Chipain's Fresh Market Will Close Soon

LEMONT, IL — Chipain's Fresh Market, Lemont's beloved grocer for nearly 30 years, will close in March after 29 years in Lemont.

"It has been a great run," the Chipain family wrote on Facebook Monday while announcing the planned closure. The store's meat, produce, deli and bakery departments will continue to operate through February, and the remainder of the store will close after it clears out in March.

Chipain's opened in Lemont in 1988 after 59 years on the Northwest Side of Chicago. It started originally as a small produce mart by Peter Chipain — a Greek immigrant — and his wife, Alexandra.

The closure is a tough one for many in Lemont to swallow. Chipain's is not only the preferred local grocer, but it also went above and beyond when coming to assist in the needs of the community.

"I'm heartbroken," said Terri O'Neill-Borders, founder of the Hope and Friendship Foundation. "The family has been so generous in assisting everyone in need. They are the source of the food vouchers for our food pantry clients. When people come to the pantry, they get food vouchers for Chipain's."

The loss of the store at 1100 State St. in Lemont Plaza is "a huge void in our community," O'Neill-Borders said.

"When you go in the store you know where things are and come out with what you need. That's something the people want. They are our 'mom-and-pop' food store that people have always appreciated."

The Chipain family said that after 29 years, 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," the grocer's statement read. "While it’s painful for this to end under our watch, life marches on."