A beloved family-owned grocery store in North Texas is set to close its doors after serving the community for decades. City Market, located at 200 E. Renfro Street in Burleson, is expected to shut down on February 21, according to an announcement made by the store’s marketing manager on social media. The owners, Kurt and Jill Jaeger, who took over the business in 2004, revealed their decision to close in a heartfelt video posted on the store’s Facebook page in early January.
In the emotional video, Kurt Jaeger expressed his devastation over the closure, citing an ongoing dispute with the building’s owner as the reason behind the store’s imminent shutdown. The Jaegers had received an eviction notice due to a lease disagreement that had been brewing for several months. “Our entire City Market family is devastated, heartbroken, and shocked that it has to come to an end in this manner,” Kurt shared in the video. “This not, I repeat, not what Jill and I wanted and this is not our choice.”
Despite their best efforts, the Jaegers acknowledged that they would not be able to carry on the store’s legacy to future generations of their family. Kurt expressed deep gratitude to the loyal customers who had supported City Market throughout the years, emphasizing the strong sense of community that had been cultivated within the store’s walls. The closure will also impact the approximately 40 employees who were part of the City Market team, according to information available on the store’s website.
However, Camille Bransom, identified as the owner of the building by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, offered a different perspective on the situation. Through a spokesperson, Bransom disputed the Jaegers’ claims, stating that the decision not to renew the lease was within the Jaegers’ control. Bransom mentioned that negotiations for a lease renewal had been ongoing for nearly a year, with the offered rate being considered reasonable for the Old Town Burleson area. The message shared on Bransom’s Facebook page on January 9 clarified that the building was not up for sale, with no immediate plans for a new tenant to occupy the space.
In an attempt to clear out remaining inventory, City Market initiated a 20% off sale on all items in the store starting on February 9, as advertised on their Facebook page. Despite the impending closure, a Change.org petition has been launched to save City Market, garnering over 2,200 signatures at the time of this article.
Community Support and Legacy
The outpouring of support from loyal customers and community members has been a testament to the impact that City Market has had on the Burleson area. From heartfelt messages shared on social media to the overwhelming response to the petition to save the store, it is evident that City Market holds a special place in the hearts of many. The sense of loss and nostalgia surrounding the closure of the store speaks to the deep connections forged between the business and its patrons over the years.
Expert Insight: “The closure of a long-standing establishment like City Market not only affects the owners and employees but also resonates within the community as a whole,” says retail analyst Sarah Thompson. “Independent businesses often serve as anchors in local neighborhoods, fostering a sense of belonging and tradition. The closure of such businesses can leave a void that is challenging to fill.”
The Future of City Market and Small Businesses
As City Market prepares to bid farewell to its loyal customers, the question of what lies ahead for the space and the Jaeger family remains unanswered. The fate of the building and the potential for a new tenant to fill the void left by City Market raise uncertainties about the future of the area’s retail landscape. The closure of independent businesses like City Market also highlights the challenges faced by small enterprises in navigating lease agreements, market competition, and evolving consumer preferences in an ever-changing economic environment.
While the final chapter of City Market’s story is drawing to a close, the legacy of the beloved family-owned grocery store will endure through the memories shared by those who frequented its aisles. The sense of community, camaraderie, and connection fostered within the walls of City Market will serve as a lasting reminder of the impact that small businesses can have on individuals and neighborhoods alike. The closure of City Market may mark the end of an era, but it also serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of supporting local businesses and preserving the unique character of communities.
