MONROE - A 75-year-old Monroe business will come to an end in September when Brennan's Market will close all five of its locations.
Citing increased competition and changing consumer habits, Brennan's Market owner Tim Culhane announced that the chain's business model had become unsustainable in a news release dated Tuesday. Because of this, the chain's five locations will close their doors on Sept. 30.
According to the news release, the chain's Brookfield location will be sold, but there are currently no concrete plans for the sale of any of the other locations, including the Monroe location.
Brennan's first opened in Monroe in 1942, when Frank Brennan opened a fruit stand in Monroe. Frank's son Skip Brennan took over the business, and it expanded into Madison in 1967 and then Brookfield in 1988. Most recently, the Oconomoc store opened in 2009. Skip Brennan sold the business, known for selling high-quality produce, cheese, beer, wine and specialty items, to long-time employee Tim Culhane in 2015.
Local customers expressed regret at the news Wednesday.
"I was really upset when I heard about it," said Monroe resident Liz Hannemann. "I probably haven't supported it enough, but they have such high-quality food."
Brennan's local produce and large selection of cheeses make its locations travel destinations for people from out of town.
"I'll come here about five or six times a year," said Freeport resident Elizabeth Smith. "I make sure to come especially when they have peaches."
"I suppose I'll just cry when it's gone," Smith said.
Orfordville resident Lisa Fenwick said she visits the Monroe Brennan's about four times a month, adding that she gets all of her fresh fruit there.
"I'm pretty much in mourning right now," she said.
Orfordville couple Larry and Kay Suiter said they make sure to come to Brennan's several times each year.
"They have stuff nobody else carries," Larry Suiter said. "You can't find a decent peach anywhere else."
All Brennan's locations will remain fully staffed and stocked until they close in September. The chain will also assist its 150 employees with job placement support.
"Although we're all saddened by the decision to close our doors later this year, we are sincerely grateful for the generations of loyal customers and our incredible partners," Culhane said in the release. "Without our outstanding staff, we never would have achieved our high level of customer service."
Culhand was not available for further comment.
Citing increased competition and changing consumer habits, Brennan's Market owner Tim Culhane announced that the chain's business model had become unsustainable in a news release dated Tuesday. Because of this, the chain's five locations will close their doors on Sept. 30.
According to the news release, the chain's Brookfield location will be sold, but there are currently no concrete plans for the sale of any of the other locations, including the Monroe location.
Brennan's first opened in Monroe in 1942, when Frank Brennan opened a fruit stand in Monroe. Frank's son Skip Brennan took over the business, and it expanded into Madison in 1967 and then Brookfield in 1988. Most recently, the Oconomoc store opened in 2009. Skip Brennan sold the business, known for selling high-quality produce, cheese, beer, wine and specialty items, to long-time employee Tim Culhane in 2015.
Local customers expressed regret at the news Wednesday.
"I was really upset when I heard about it," said Monroe resident Liz Hannemann. "I probably haven't supported it enough, but they have such high-quality food."
Brennan's local produce and large selection of cheeses make its locations travel destinations for people from out of town.
"I'll come here about five or six times a year," said Freeport resident Elizabeth Smith. "I make sure to come especially when they have peaches."
"I suppose I'll just cry when it's gone," Smith said.
Orfordville resident Lisa Fenwick said she visits the Monroe Brennan's about four times a month, adding that she gets all of her fresh fruit there.
"I'm pretty much in mourning right now," she said.
Orfordville couple Larry and Kay Suiter said they make sure to come to Brennan's several times each year.
"They have stuff nobody else carries," Larry Suiter said. "You can't find a decent peach anywhere else."
All Brennan's locations will remain fully staffed and stocked until they close in September. The chain will also assist its 150 employees with job placement support.
"Although we're all saddened by the decision to close our doors later this year, we are sincerely grateful for the generations of loyal customers and our incredible partners," Culhane said in the release. "Without our outstanding staff, we never would have achieved our high level of customer service."
Culhand was not available for further comment.