Last updated on December 12th, 2024
Family-owned grocer Darrenkamp’s, which was founded in 1932 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is closing down, the company announced Sept. 4.
Three of its stores—in Elizabethtown, Etters and Mt. Joy—will be shuttered, while its Willow Valley Square store in Lancaster is being sold to Giant Food Stores LLC.
The liquidation process will begin immediately, Darrenkamp’s said, with the official closing of all four locations expected to be completed by early November.
“This was a very difficult decision because we will miss serving our neighbors and because of our long history serving the Lancaster community for so many years,” said co-owner Dave Darrenkamp. “Knowing how this affects our customers and employees made the decision even tougher.”
Employees at all Darrenkamp’s locations will have the opportunity to interview for comparable positions at the Willow Valley Square location as well as other nearby Giant stores, the grocer said.
“Giant is such a great partner and community steward,” said Joe Darrenkamp, president of Darrenkamp’s. “Giant has pledged to support the charitable organizations our family has supported over the years, such as A Week Away Foundation, Grace Church, Brighter Day Foundation, Lancaster South Rotary and the Willow Street Fire Department.”
He continued, “Our family has been in the grocery industry for 86 years, and it’s tough saying goodbye. We extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our customers, employees and supporters. It’s been an honor for our family to serve Lancaster and the surrounding communities for so many decades.”
Nicholas Bertram, Giant president, said, “Giant is pleased with this opportunity to open a grocery store at this Darrenkamp’s location and continue to serve the grocery needs of Darrenkamp’s longstanding customers. We are thrilled to continue our renewed commitment to the greater Lancaster market and our relentless focus on growth.”
After the sale is consummated, Giant will temporarily close the store for a remodel.
“We’re committed to bringing more value every day to our Lancaster customers, and this store will be no exception,” Bertram added. “It was a pleasure to work with the Darrenkamp family, and we have pledged to support the charitable organizations that the Darrenkamp family has supported over the years.”
Giant currently operates eight stores in Lancaster County, employing approximately 1,300 associates.
In June, Giant announced a $22 million investment in Lancaster County, which included launching a new e-commerce hub at its former North Reservoir St. location slated to open later this year, remodel completions at four stores, lower prices across its stores, and the opening of a new Lititz fuel station.
Carlisle, Pennsylvania-based Giant operates 171 stores in four states—Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia—and employs nearly 30,000 associates.
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