What Is Fairway's Future? UPDATE

Twenty four hours ago, The New York Post reported the New York grocery chain Fairway would close all 14 of its stores including its flagship store on the Upper West Side.

However, Fairway denies it is filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection. Previously they filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2016 and have been seeking a buyer without success. Rising rents and NYC's minimum wage law haven't helped matters.

As someone who shops at Fairway, I hope they can find a buyer. Of course, there are other options - Zabar's, Pioneer, Gourmet Garage, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Gristedes plus a few independent places. But if they close there will be a void on the Upper West Side. Fairway takes up nearly an entire city block on Broadway between 74th and 75th and has since FDR took office in 1933. Fairway has been a part of peoples' lives in this neighborhood their whole lives.

If Fairway shuts down life will go on, but it won't be the same and it won't be any better.

UPDATE: Fairway filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Thursday. Five of its Manhattan stores including the flagship store will be sold to Village Super Market, Inc. which owns the ShopRite chain while the remaining 9 stores will be liquidated. While it is unfortunate there will be job losses better Chapter 11 than Chapter 7.