Beloved Smithtown Market Closes After 36 Years

SMITHTOWN, NY - After 36 years in business, a beloved Smithtown market closed its doors this week.

Panico's Community Market, located on 186 Terry Road, announced the store closing last month.

A large sign in front of the Italian food store reads:

"To all our loyal, wonderful customers, the Nesconset community and beyond, there is no easy way to tell you...we are closing and retiring. We thank you for your support and patronage over all these years. We look forward to retirement but know this...all will be missed."

The owner, Donato Panico, was well-known in the community for starting the non-profit "Heros 4 Our Heroes" the day after the terrorist attack on 9/11 which donated over 3,000 sandwiches to first responders through food trucks at Ground Zero, according to a report in News12.

During his retirement, Donato is planning to focus on the charity full time as well as help to rebuild the Northport VA.

"It is the ... toughest decision I've had to make in my life," He told News12. "But in order for my family to thrive and spend more quality time with them, it's the right decision. We've had 36 years of a great community and wonderful customers, and it's just time to move on and get our charity organization going a little stronger."

The business officially closed its doors on Sunday.

How do you feel about Panico's closing? What do you think should replace the longtime business? Let us know in the comments below.

Photo: Facebook.com/Panico's Community Market