The sale is expected to be complete by late-October or early-November. Walt’s has been in operation for 88 years, the company said.
HOMEWOOD, IL — Walt’s in Homewood—in addition to other locations in Illinois and one in Indiana—are being sold, the family-owned grocer told employees in a letter dated Wednesday.
Local grocery chain Berkot’s Super Foods will buy the stores, after a decision that was “difficult and not taken lightly,” the letter reads. It was shared in local social media groups.
The Homewood location is at 2345 183rd St. Another is in Beecher, at 1111 Dixie Highway, one in Crete at 1100 E. Exchange Ave, and a fourth remaining location in Dyer, Indiana, at 1218 Sheffield Ave.
“After 88 years of dedication and hard work, we, as a multigenerational family business, have made the decision to get out of the grocery business,” the letter reads.
Walt’s got it start in 1937, with a fruit and vegetable stand in South Holland, Illinois. The company was founded by Walt Lagestee, and has remained family owned and operated.
“Our first location was modest but our dreams were big,” the company’s website reads. “Some of us referred to that early store as a ‘shanty,’ but the produce we sold was fresh and delicious. Businesses are rewarded with loyal customers when products are fresh and service is second to none. And we grew. The humble store was expanded to meet the flood of happy customers, and our dreams of success were being fulfilled….”
New owner Berkot’s is also a family-owned and operated grocery store chain, with locations in Illinois and Wisconsin. The company was established in 1981 and is led by individuals within the Kotara family, including company president Luke Kotara.
“We are confident that Berkot’s, as another family-owned independent grocery chain, will continue to operate these stores with the same family values we have held for all these decades: community involvement, employee family, service and quality at a great savings,” the letter reads.
Community members reacted to the news with empathy for the owners and memories of the Homewood store.
“This had to be extremely difficult for the family,” one wrote, in a post that shared the letter.
“I was here when the Homewood Walt’s opened,” another said. “My grandmother was excited and told me she went through every aisle. There have been changes since Walt died, including opening on Sundays. One thing I have observed is that local businesses do, sadly, close. Al’s Deli, two local bookstores, Scorpio’s, the Tivoli, and others live on in my memories.”
Others complimented Berkot’s as the incoming owner.
“This is sad to hear, but Berkot’s is a great family store with fantastic sales,” one wrote. “Their meat, deli, bakery, catering, and produce sections will be a welcome addition to the community.”
The closing on the sale is expected to take place at the end of October or early November, the company said. Berkot’s is said to be in communication soon with current Walt’s employees regarding hiring and transition.
“As a family, we are very thankful for your hard work and dedication over the many years,” the letter reads. “It has also been an honor to serve the Walt’s neighborhood communities and the opportunity to employ the thousands of people who have worked for Walt’s Food Centers over the past 88 years.
“Thank you for your hard work, loyalty and many memories.”