This Popular Sidney, New York Grocery Store Is Closing

A community has expressed disbelief and sadness at the news that a much loved locally owned and operated grocery store will be closing its doors before the end of the year.

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Residents of Sidney, New York had heard rumblings that the Great American Food Store may be closing and the rumors were confirmed on Friday, October 21 when the food store posted a lengthy message to its loyal customers on social media.

60 years ago, Victory Market opened in Sidney before becoming Great American, and then eleven years ago, the grocery store became BK Five Great American. The owners pointed out how hard it has been for them, as independent grocery store owners, to keep up with the world as it has changed so much in recent years.

“The everchanging landscape of the grocery business, its expenses, and the extreme competition from corporate giants and online sales have led to this tough decision,” said the post on social media.

Great American is encouraging anyone who has a BK Five Great American Gift Certificate to redeem their gift certificate as soon as possible because although the store plans to remain open into November, it will not “honor or redeem” the gift cards after its final day of business.

Great American will no longer honor its pre-printed weekly specials or 5 percent senior discount. Additionally, starting on October 29, the grocery store will no longer be able to cash personal or payroll checks. The grocery store is also requesting that any purchases be paid for by cash or credit card after October 29.

Great American pointed out that they “gave it” their “all” and that it has “tried to be an integral part of our community over all of these years. We have helped every non-profit organization and every fundraiser that was possible.”  The social media post by Great American did not state a closure date for the store.