After five years of serving as a cornerstone of the neighborhood, Thriftown Grocery in Bremen will soon close its doors for good.
The announcement came in a heartfelt message from owner Chad, who shared the difficult news with customers earlier this week. “After five unforgettable years, Thriftown Grocery will be closing its doors permanently once our remaining inventory is sold,” he wrote. “This isn’t just a business update—it’s a farewell to a chapter filled with shared stories, laughter in the aisles, and the kind of everyday moments that quietly build a community.”
Chad cited rising costs and recent cuts to SNAP benefits as the final blows to the small grocery’s ability to stay open. Despite a loyal customer base and strong community ties, the challenges had simply become too great.
Since opening, Thriftown became more than just a store to many—it was a space where relationships were built and nurtured. The aisles often echoed with casual hellos and conversations between neighbors. Staff knew regulars by name. Kids grew up wandering its rows of cereal and snacks, often greeted with a smile and maybe a free piece of fruit.
“From the very beginning, you welcomed us with warmth and trust,” Chad said. “We’ve watched your kids grow, shared recipes, swapped stories, and leaned on each other through hard times. That’s not something we’ll ever forget.”
In the hours following the announcement, many in the community expressed sadness, gratitude, and nostalgia.
Thriftown will remain open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays. The team plans to continue posting updates on Facebook until the final day.
Chad ended his message with a note of deep appreciation: “Please know this: we love you. We appreciate you. And we are so deeply grateful for every moment you spent with us. Thriftown was never just a store—it was a family. And that’s something no closure can take away.”
As the store winds down operations, the sense of loss is already palpable—but so is the gratitude for what it meant to the people it served.
