Farmer Jack stores' fate still unknown

1/7/2004

The fate of the area's six Farmer Jack Supermarkets was unknown last night, despite a meeting yesterday between the Detroit-based chain and the local union representing the stores' workers.

Farmer Jack spokesman Maria Ward said late yesterday: “Everything still remains the same. We are working with the United Food and Commercial union and are still reviewing all options for the Ohio stores.” She said last week a decision on the stores would come “shortly” but not before yesterday.

Jeff Stephens, president of United Food & Commercial Workers Local 911, did not return several calls.

The company told the union late last week that the stores would be sold, closed, or converted to another format. It then told the union it was still weighing its options, however the local stores apparently are not restocking some items.