03-23-11 29
Mt. Vernon, NY
Breaking News
Fleetwood supermarket shuts down in less than one year

    Key Food supermarket, located at 42 W. Broad St. in Mount Vernon, has shut down after approximately eight months in business. Salvatore Gizzo, president of Fleetwood Food Corp., decided to shut down due to plummeting revenues.
     The long awaited supermarket was intended to replace the Fleetwood A&P Supermarket, one block south at 24 W. Grand St., that closed in early 2009.  Without a supermarket within walking distance for elderly residents, the entire Fleetwood area was in an uproar over the matter. As many readers know, the former A&P site was converted into a 24-hour CVS Pharmacy.
     Gizzo is blaming Mayor Clinton Young and city officials for the supermarket’s demise and he plans to sue Mount Vernon for millions of dollars in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Gizzo is alleging that the city’s failure to deliver on promised parking garage, lighting and street improvements kept customers away.
     Mayor Clinton I. Young stated: "A Westchester Business Journal article states that as of late last year Key Food was generating revenues of $40,000 per week - above its breakeven point. The city garage in Fleetwood has served the needs of many longstanding and successful businesses in the area.  I have the utmost respect for Mr. Gizzo for his business acumen and many successful enterprises in our city. It is unfortunate the store closed. My administration has worked tirelessly to deliver the necessary support for this venture. We will continue to work hard to develop a business friendly environment in the city to ensure the success of all entrepreneurs in Mount Vernon."
     Since 2003, Gizzo had operated Samba Na Brasa, a Brazilian steakhouse at the current supermarket site; he also owns the Surf Club facility in New Rochelle.
     According to Gizzo’s bankruptcy attorney in Harrison, Jonathan S. Pasternak, the supermarket is for sale and has already attracted interested buyers. “The store may possibly open once again under new management or simply new ownership,’ Pasternak has stated.  
    

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