SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- It didn't take long for word to spread that the beloved Nojaim Brothers Supermarket will soon close its doors. It comes as a surprise to many of its frequent shoppers.
"I'm still shocked because they've been here a long time," said Marjorie Bachiller.
"I think it's messed up," said Willie Lovette, who lives across the street.
Neighbors tell Spectrum News employees found out Monday the supermarket would close. It's quite the loss for those living on Syracuse's southwest side. They say the Nojaim family did more than just provide a place to shop in the community.
"Nojaims has been here for years,” Bachiller explained. "Paul, Jim and all that, they're there for the community. They'll give their last cent to help the homeless."
There is another grocery store less than a mile away. Some neighbors we spoke with said those living in this immediate area, though, have limited options for transportation, and there are some people with disabilities, so there's a challenge getting to those other stores.
"You see, I'm in a walker,” Lovette said. "Sometimes I have to use my cane; sometimes I have to use my scooter. For a veteran like me, it takes a while for me to get there."
Lovette said the same could be said for many of the people living in apartment buildings across the street from the store.
"They're disabled. They're old. Now they will have to catch a bus someplace instead of going across the street. This place serves a purpose," Lovette said.
That purpose has impacted the lives of many who now hold out hope that something can be done so Nojaim's won't have to close its doors for good.
Nojaim does have a second store in Marcellus. An employee says that store is not closing.