Grocery store unexpectedly closes

VERMILION — After serving the community for more than four decades, the Vermilion Farm Market — in a recent and unexpected development — closed. On Wednesday, the business announced the seemingly permanent closure on its Facebook page, posting a matching notice at its entrance. Neither provided a reason for the decision or a reopening date. "We have decided to close indefinitely," the notice reads. Its entrance has since been locked. Two calls to the market did not reach anyone: • The first reached an automated greeting • The second reached a message stating the voicemail box had not been set up. The east-end Vermilion market, on Liberty Avenue (U.S. 6), has been locally owned and operated since 1979, according to its website. Its offerings included fresh produce, meat and deli counters, baked goods and specialty groceries. The website highlights locally and regionally grown produce, Ohio maple syrup, Amish foods and handmade specialty sausages. Community impact, customer reactions On social media, some customers recalled the market as a regular stop and praised its meat department and specialty foods. Kathy Rothgery Hrivnak said the market was part of her visits when coming to Vermilion. "I'm so sad. That's the first place we go when we stay at the cottage in Linwood Park," she wrote. Wendy Baxter wrote that her father, Frank Schweinberg, and his partner, Tom Rottel, opened the market in 1979. She recalled them spending more than 34 years providing fresh produce, specialty items unavailable at chain grocery stores and a meat department she praised for its quality and affordable prices. "It had an atmosphere that treated you like family," Baxter wrote. Baxter said her father retired in 2013, and the market was later sold to new owners as Rottel finished his time with the business. She recalled changes in how the market operated after the sale and expressed sadness about its closure. "I am hopeful that it will reopen and serve the community again as it once did," she wrote. Others shared employment opportunities: ACC Adult Home Care of Vermilion invited displaced employees to contact the business about openings, while other commenters shared information about driving instructor and retail jobs. An employee's perspective A former employee, who requested anonymity for fear of facing retaliation, stressed the importance of supporting local businesses. This person noted that business there had noticeably slowed as the market transitioned from summer to fall hours. This person, in a sign of respect, also praised the owner. All staff received pay for the hours they worked, the former employee added. The market's closure notice ended with a message to customers: "To all our loyal customers for many years, thank you. Best wishes to you and yours."