Lonigro’s celebrates anniversary

Posted 5/6/20

It’s been more than 42 years since Joe Lonigro walked into the grocery store he had just purchased and didn’t know how to turn on lights. Since that time, the Lonigro family has built a …

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Lonigro’s celebrates anniversary

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It’s been more than 42 years since Joe Lonigro walked into the grocery store he had just purchased and didn’t know how to turn on lights. Since that time, the Lonigro family has built a business that is known far beyond the city limits.

Joe married Lisa soon after his arrival in town. His brother Larry then married Lisa’s sister Laura and they had a son, Luke.

Eventually, the whole family became involved in the grocery business.

The original grocery, J&L, was relocated and later renamed Lonigro’s Supermarket. Larry owns the business with help from Luke who is now the manager. In the last five years, the store has struggled to stay afloat, like many small-town groceries, competing with chain stores.

Larry and Luke were proactive in planning for necessary changes when COVID-19 struck the country. They immediately put into place safety measures for both employees and shoppers. They found creative ways to keep their shelves filled while their competitors struggled to find meat and flour.

The sudden surge in business gave the family plenty to celebrate on their business’s 42nd anniversary last Saturday, May 2. And that celebration pulled in even more customers.

It was an overwhelmingly awesome weekend, Larry noted. The celebration, including barbecues and specials throughout the store, was scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The Lonigro’s decided to extend it through Sunday to express their thanks.

Everyone at the store has been working long, hard hours to keep the store sanitary, safe and stocked. It doesn’t look as though that will let up anytime soon. That’s okay with Larry who says he will take a day off later, “I’m happy doing what I’m doing.”