Walt’s manager strongly denies Frankfort store closing rumor

A store manager strongly denied a rumor that Walt's was closing its Frankfort store.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

“That is a vicious rumor and totally untrue,” was the response from Tim, one of the managers at the Walt’s Food Center in Frankfort, when asked about a rumor making the rounds that the store at 20825 S. LaGrange Road in Frankfort.

 

“I don’t know where it started but it spread like wildfire through the community,” he said. “I’ve had people coming in asking when we were going to close.

“We are not closing. Period,” he said. “We’ve just finished making improvements at the store. Why would we do that if we were going to close?”

A call to Walt’s corporate offices in South Holland was not returned.

The rumor was probably tied to the recent opening of Mariano’s Fresh Market a couple of blocks to the north of Walt’s. There are now six grocery stores or supermarkets on LaGrange Road in Frankfort and Mokena between U.S. 30 and Interstate 80.

The King retreats from Orland

Burger King closed its doors recently at 14601 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park. You can still get your Whopper fix at the fast-food chain’s location on 159^th Street near 94^th Avenue in Orland Hills.

New owners for River Oaks Toyota

New management was introduced last month at River Oaks Toyota in Calumet City, which was purchased over the Christmas holiday and remodeled.

Fernando Falcon is the new president and CEO.

Ed & Joe’s offers reward for voting

Ed & Joe’s restaurant in Tinley Park has a sweet deal for anyone who casts a ballot at Tuesday’s consolidated election.

The pizzeria will give a free appetizer worth up to $7.95 to anyone who brings in their voter receipt on April 9.

New life for gas station

The gas station at 11458 S. Harlem Ave. in Worth may be coming back to life. JTL Group Inc. has taken out a $400,000 mortgage on the property from U.S. Venture Inc.

If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bobbong@hotmail.com.

You can also follow business happenings at Comings & Goings.