CHICAGO — Treasure Island, the beloved local grocery chain that first opened in 1963, told its employees it will be closing its locations in two weeks.
The sudden announcement drew an outpouring of reaction on social media from fans of the family-owned chain.
“We are sorry it has had to come to this point and we know how detrimental this is to each and every one of you and your families,” Treaure Island President and CEO Maria Kameberos wrote in a letter to employees.
“It is not a decision we wanted to make or make lightly. We have done everything we could to attempt to get the company on solid ground to try to operate for another 55 years,” she wrote. “Unfortunately, given the current industry conditions, it has been impossible for us to continue to operate without losing money.”
Treasure Island has seven locations — six in Chicago and one in Wilmette. All are reportedly scheduled to close by Oct. 12.
News of the shutdown was first reported by the Chicago Maroon in Hyde Park, home to one of the stores.
There are also locations in Streeterville, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, Old Town and Wilmette.
Treasure Island officials did not requests calls for comment.
“We understand it may be of little consolation but please know we offer our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to you and your tireless work and dedication to our organization,” Kamberos wrote in her letter to employees. “For many of you, this has been your entire career and you have been devoted employees for decades of your lives. We truly appreciate all of years of service and dedication.”
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