Johnnie's Foodmaster Stores Close This Weekend

Both Johnnie's Foodmaster stores in Somerville will officially close this weekend.

In West Somerville, most aisles were completely bare Thursday after a two-week closing sale. The store will close after Sunday, according to employees.

On Beacon Street, the store will close after Saturday, according to a person who answered the phone. That location is expected to reopen as a Whole Foods sometime in late summer or early fall of 2013.

At least one commenter on Somerville Patch is sad to see the West Somerville store go and is planning a vigil of sorts.

Nancy wrote (slightly edited):

"I think it's like losing a family member and wonder if a gathering of people/customers on its last day would be a healing experience. Like going to a funeral, let's all get together this Saturday morning, Nov. 17, at 10 a.m. in the parking lot to say goodbye. Perhaps if enough people came, there could be closure and community building. We could get in a huge circle encircling the parking lot, or just a cozier circle, and share our thoughts and feelings. The little guy has trouble making a stand against the big guy, small business verses big business. Let's get the word out to get together."

Anyone who wants to join should stop by the West Somerville Johnnie's at 10 a.m. Saturday.