A privately owned grocery store in Waterbury across from the Naugatuck Valley Shopping Center will close in November after more than 40 years at the location.
In a notice filed with the state Department of Labor, the owner of ShopRite at 943 Wolcott St., Paul Tornaquindici, cited “economic business conditions” as the reason for the closure.
The supermarket anchors a busy shopping plaza that contains several businesses, including Aspire Fitness and Royal Buffet and Grill. It sits across the street from a competitor, Shop & Shop, on the site of the former Naugatuck Valley Mall, which was demolished in 1999.
The closure means 203 employees will lose their jobs at the close of business on Nov. 11, 2022. There are no unionized employees at the location.
“We appreciate the support of the community and thank you for the opportunity to be of service to you,” the store posted on Facebook. “Our associates will have the opportunity to interview for positions at other ShopRite stores.”
Tornaquindici’s other ShopRite store in Bristol will remain open.
Employees will continue to receive health, dental and/or vision insurance benefits through Nov. 30. After that, they will be able to receive COBRA. ShopRite will pay the cost of COBRA premiums for four months.
ShopRite said it would help employees find jobs at other grocery stores.
Tornaquindici was known for his charitable contributions to the city, including his annual Help Bag Hunger Day event.
