By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Ellis Hometown Food Center, the town’s only grocery store, is expected to close in the coming weeks.
Jeff Geschwentner said the store does not have a set closing date and will remain open until inventory is sold. He said it could close in late April or early May.
The market will continue stocking perishable items such as meat, produce, dairy and frozen goods, while letting dry goods sell out.
Geschwentner said the store is not formally listed for sale, but he would sell it to an interested buyer. He added hours will likely be reduced as the store nears closing.
Ellis Mayor Martin LaBarge said the potential closure came as a surprise.
"It's going to be hard to try to recover from that," LeBarge said regarding Ellis losing its only supermarket.
Ellis does have a Dollar General, 915 Washington St., offering a limited grocery selection along with household and personal care items.
The nearest grocery stores are Dillons and Walmart in Hays, about 13-15 miles from Ellis.
Geschwentner said the closure comes as he prepares to retire.
Pat Lovin of Ellis said she is sad the store she often shopped at will close. She plans to buy groceries either at the Dollar General in town or in Hays.
However, she said Ellis will be negatively affected without its own grocery store, especially considering the age of many residents.
"Every town needs a store. We have a lot of people who can't drive or are older and need assistance of some type," she said.
Ellis has a population of about 2,000.