Although hard to call this story a "favorite," the reaction from Ridgefielders and beyond at the announcement in January that Ancona's Market was closing was simply incredible. It warmed our hearts to read so many positive comments on our blog, Facebook page and Twitter account about the Market, the Ancona family, and their unmatched customer service. Some Ancona's favorites, like their Cheese Spread, are available at Tusk and Cup and Ancona's Wines and Liquors, but there presence in Branchville is still sorely missed almost a year later. In case you missed it, here is the original article from January 11, 2014:
A rumor was swirling on the Internet this afternoon that Ancona's Market was closing. We called and got confirmation from Laura Freed Ancona that the family-owned market will close in two weeks. Ancona's Wines and Liquors, located next to the Market, will NOT close. The Ancona family was not prepared to make a statement today, but because of the rumors that surfaced via social media, they were compelled to share the news.
As of now, a tenant has made an offer on a portion of the location, but nothing is definite. They are also working to bring a locally-owned, specialty market, to a portion of the Ancona's Market current space. The family truly wants Branchville to be a destination in Ridgefield, and will continue to work hard on making that dream a reality.
As a thank you to the community for supporting them for 93 years, they will have promotions in the store starting next week until they close. Please stop-in and tell your favorite employees, along with Joe and Laura, thank you and good-bye.
An employee we spoke with today said, "I had no idea before today that the Market was closing and will really miss Ancona's and working there." I think that is the sentiment of everyone of all Market employees. Ancona's has been a favorite "first job" among local high school students who not only bag groceries with a smile, but look dapper doing so (the neat attire is an Ancona's requirement).
"Don't worry everyone...we will just have to bring cheese dip and almond croissants to Tusk & Cup," said Laura Freed Ancona. "Mitch, Joe and I will continue to be familiar faces in our establishments in "Anconaville," and we look forward to being able to announce new shopping adventures in the 'hood in the coming months," she added.
During the past few power outages, Joe Ancona and his staff have come to the rescue, offering breakfast sandwiches, grilled outdoors and, of course, hot coffee. In addition, if you have had a child in Ridgefield Little League, you know that on Saturdays, kids in uniform received a free hot dog. These are just two examples (there are a host more) of the way the Ancona family has gone over and beyond for the residents of Ridgefield. They are more than a local grocery store, Ancona's Market is a tradition.
Here is information that Joe Ancona posted on Facebook:
Hi everyone. We were hoping to be able to get a proper announcement out to the community before something like this happened. First and foremost, we want to make sure that the community is clear about this transition. An announcement will be in the paper this week that after 93 years of serving the community, Ancona's Market will be closing its doors as my dad and Uncle John have decided to finally retire. HOWEVER, Mitch will continue serving the community with Ancona's Wines and Liquors; a new tenant has made an offer for about 2/3 of the current market space as they have been looking for a presence along the Route 7 corridor for years to serve multiple towns; and we are still developing plans to bring a new specialty food market to the remaining space. This is incredibly bitter sweet, and the new tenant opportunity came at a moment in time when it has become increasingly hard to compete with all of the food market choices in close proximity despite our best efforts. Look for more information in the paper this week, but we thank everyone for their concerns and patronage over the years and Mitch will look forward to everyone's continued loyalty to Ancona Wines. We hope everyone will be excited when the new development is complete, and the Ancona family is committed to continuing to serve the community that we have been a part of for almost a century.
Please remember to shop local... and Shop Branchville!
Don't worry everyone...we will just have to bring cheese dip and almond croissants to Tusk & Cup (but not sure the scent of fried chicken and coffee work well together!). Joe and I are so grateful for everyone's support of Tusk & Cup. We are so proud of the response we've received from the community. We are also incredibly proud of how Mitch has distinguished himself in the wine, beer, and spirit world. Come to think of it, maybe the cheese spread would work better on his shelves (probably better with wine than coffee!). So one way or another, the cheese spread will endure, Mitch, Joe and I will continue to be familiar faces in our establishments in "Anconaville," and we look forward to being able to announce new shopping adventures in the 'hood in the coming months. Thanks for all the kind words and support. I love being part of this incredible family!
Previous 2014 Favorites:
"What lies beneath Ridgefield's Great Pond?" (12/15)
"Former Ridgefielder Takes iPhone Photograph of the Year" (12/16)
"Parade Magazine's spot-on assessment of Main Street" (12/17)
Other Ridgefield closings in 2014:
The temporary Ridgefield Library