What Lemont Will Miss Most When Chipain's Closes

LEMONT, IL - The preferred hometown grocery store in Lemont for years has been Chipain's Fresh Market.

But that will change now, as the Chipain family announced earlier this month that they plan to close their longtime store in Lemont Plaza once stock runs out in March. The news hit the community hard, but many longtime shoppers used the closing as a way to reminisce and show thanks to the family for making Lemont home for some 29 years.

Shortly after the news broke, we asked Lemont Patch readers on Facebook about what they will miss most about the beloved grocer once they close for good. The responses show just how valued the store - and family who made it all happen - is in Lemont.

Related: Chipain's Fresh Market Will Close for Good in March

"Everything. Just everything," said Carla Marie Vasile-Riccio. "Being greeted and asked about my family. The fact it was safe biking distance for my son. It was always the place we ran to, sometimes multiple times in one day, during parties when something was forgotten. The chicken and deli and especially the bakery!"

Specifically, the store's meat department, coleslaw and vegetables were mentioned as favorite items. Barbara Meyer Dixon said the "large yummy carrots" will be among the items she will miss the most.

"The perfect slices of lunch meat. Pretty enough for any deli tray," added Chris May. "The perfect fried chicken and salads. The advice from the butchers.... BUT most of all, the people."

Mindy Williams Rito agreed with the latter.

"The Chipain family, seeing my friends I have made there, the customers and all kinds of food you can't just get anywhere!!" she wrote.

Kathy Jenner, while also touting the popular meat department, says it will be "the small town feel while shopping."

Find all the responses here.