EDISON PARK — Despite recent rumors on social media, Happy Foods in Edison Park is still open and does not have plans to close, at least for now.
Dale Eastman, who owns Happy Foods stores in Edison Park and Edgebrook, said every couple months rumors start about both of the stores.
On Sunday, posts on Facebook indicated that Happy Foods in Edison Park, at 6783 N. Northwest Highway, was going to close, but Eastman said that is not true. But because of the long hours and the fact that he’s not getting any younger, closing may be an option in the future, he said.
“There’s always options. I’m leaving the door open, but we are not closing. I’m going to be 64 years old and there’s a time. I’m working seven days a week now and don’t know how much longer I can do it,” Eastman said.
Eastman began working at Happy Foods in 1976 and bought the stores with his sister about five years later. He said lately rumors pop up every couple of months, especially on social media.
“I hear it all the time. I think the worst thing is social media because everybody starts talking about it and people know more about my business than I do. Whenever I need to find out something that’s happening in my life I just go on social media.”
Eastman, who lives in Morton Grove, has three adult sons, one who is a police officer, one who is a firefighter, and one who works with him in the stores. Despite that, he said the grueling hours may keep his son from taking it over one day.
“It’s a seven-day a week job, that’s the thing. It’s a lot of hours. It’s hard to find good help these days too.”
For now though, the stores are not for sale and there are no plans too close, he said.
“I’m still here,” he said. “I’ll be here.”
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