April 24, 2008 Issue
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Classified Chestnut Hill Local Don't Miss an Issue, Tell us what you see or Winner of Two |
Local developer is new owner of Caruso’s The new owner of Caruso’s Market is John Capoferri, an area developer, who assured customers that, though there will be improvements and changes, the store would remain a “full-service grocery store.” Capoferri, who in March purchased the Caruso’s building at 8418-24 Germantown Ave. under the corporation name “8418 Associates LP” for $2.7 million, said the store would “absolutely” remain Caruso’s Market. Capoferri would not comment on whether the $2.7 million covered both the cost of the business and the real estate, or just the 10,000 sq. ft. building. The market operated for nearly 100 years under the ownership of the Morano family, which also owns Luna Foods, a pasta manufacturing business in South Philadelphia. Capoferri said that to improve the store there would be changes in staffing, management, product and physical appearance. In reassuring the community that Caruso’s would remain a full-service store, he added that people who shop there each week for their entire grocery list will still be able to do so, but “hopefully in a more pleasant environment.” If changes go as planned, Capoferri said Caruso’s will have a line of prepared foods, more local produce and meats, an improved delivery program and outdoor dining in the rear of the building. He is also hoping to get designated parking spots for the market in the adjacent lot. He said the store atmosphere will be cleaner, brighter and friendlier, and that changes are already occurring. The store has been “scrubbed” and inventory tracking is being improved. Also, some personnel changes are in place. “There are much needed personnel changes at the store,” he said, and the customer will start to notice those changes already. Judy Lepera, a long-time manager, is no longer there, and one of the butchers has put in a two-week notice. Capoferri said a new daily manager has been hired, as well as a general manager. Capoferri said he is not sure when the physical changes to the store will take place, but he insisted that the store would remain open during the transition. “We will do it in phases so the store stays open,” he said. “There is nowhere else to go for the essentials, so we’re not going to close.” Capoferri said he has no plans to improve the market and then sell it. He said he would remain the business owner. Capoferri is also a managing partner for Top of the Hill Plaza, according Euse Mita, Jr., a project manager with Achristavest LLC, which owns the property. Capoferri said he is part owner of the Plaza. Contact staff writer Kristin Pazulski at 215-248-8819 or Kristin@chestnuthilllocal.com.
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