Carryout owner sells Lagrange landmark

Family-run store anchored neighborhood since 1932

Tom's carryout was founded in 1932 and has been handed down to family members. All that comes to a close by the end of the month.

The Blade/Amy E. Voigt
Buy This Image

Ted Grachek, whose grandfather opened Tom's carryout in 1932, plans to close the Lagrange Street landmark at the end of the month. He says the new owners plan to open a small grocery store.

Nearly 80 years of business will soon come to an end for Tom's, a landmark convenience store in Toledo's Polish Village.

Owner Ted Grachek plans to sell the store to two local businessmen by month's end. The new owners, whom he wouldn't identify, are expected to make the building at 2861 Lagrange St. a small grocery. It was not clear whether the store would close temporarily for renovation.

The store was founded in 1932 by Mr. Grachek's grandfather, Tom Krauser. Mr. Grachek, 58, said he began working at the store when he was 6 years old, and is selling the business to pursue a new career.

"I've got my 52 years in, so I think it's time for me to try something else," Mr. Grachek said.

He said he plans to work for TechTol Imaging LLC, a Sylvania Township imaging technology company, as well as for Anyana Kai, a holistic medicine center in Toledo where he previously has volunteered.

Tom's prides itself on providing hands-on service for customers who come to buy snacks, drinks, and cigarettes, purchase lottery tickets, or pay their utility bills. "It's an old-time 'mom-and-pop' store," he said.

Mr. Krauser ran the shop for 25 years before passing it down to his son Bernie Grachek, who worked there from 1957 to 1981. Ted Grachek and his brother John Grachek took over the store after their father's retirement. John Grachek left about 13 years ago to become a teacher, but has remained a silent partner in the business, Ted Grachek said.

Tom's carryout was founded in 1932 and has been handed down to family members. All that comes to a close by the end of the month.

Kathy Terrill, one of three employees at Tom's, has spent 12 years at the store and grew up with Mr. Grachek. She said the store has survived because customers can receive personalized service from employees who know them on a first-name basis.

"We know what cigarettes they buy. We know what tickets they play," said Ms. Terrill, who said she likely won't work for the store's new owners.

Customers who came to Tom's Wednesday were surprised to hear about the store's fate. "I don't think he should sell," said Tanya Nellums, a nearby resident who stopped in to pay gas and electric bills. "It's a nice neighborhood store."

Terrance Green, who bought a pack of cigarettes, said he has frequented the store since moving to Toledo from New Orleans 10 years ago. He worried that the store's atmosphere will change after the sale. "I come here every day," he said.

While Mr. Grachek looks forward to his new career and spending more time with his family, he said the store's sale is bittersweet.

"It's going to be a sad day at the end of this month when I put the key in the door for the last time," he said.