Waldbaum's in Lake Ronkonkoma to Close

The Waldbaums in Lake Ronkomkoma on Portion Road will close soon and is one of six Long Island stores described by its parent company as underperforming.

Waldbaum's parent company, the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. said had filed a motion with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, "asking approval to close 14 stores in four states as it prepares to emerge from Chapter 11. The store closures are expected to be completed in the Company's fiscal first quarter, subject to court approval."

The other Long Island stores are in Commack, Rockville Centre, East Islip, West Babylon and Lake Ronkonkoma.

A&P President and Chief Executive Officer Sam Martin said, "We are continuing to take the steps necessary to position A&P to emerge from Chapter 11 with a strong future and ensure that we remain focused on our top priority -- providing great value and service to our customers every day. As part of our preparations to emerge from Chapter 11, we have decided to close these 14 underperforming locations. While this was a very difficult decision that will unfortunately impact some of our customers, partners, associates and the surrounding communities, these actions are absolutely necessary as we continue to strengthen A&P's operating foundation and improve our performance."

A&P said it will work with union representatives to try to place workers in other stores, based on associates' collective bargaining agreements. The company said it "will also encourage loyal customers to shop at its other neighborhood stores in close proximity to the closing store locations."

Founded in 1859, A&P is one of the nation's first supermarket chains. The company operates 336 stores in six states under the following trade names: A&P, Waldbaum's, Pathmark, Best Cellars, The Food Emporium, Superfresh and Food Basics.