Double 8 Foods
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Grocery store |
| Founded | 1957 |
| Founder | Zoltan Weisz |
| Defunct | July 23, 2015 |
| Headquarters | Indianapolis , United States |
Key people | Isaiah Kuperstein (manager) |
| Products | Grocery items including soul food specialties (chitterlings, catfish, pork ribs) |
Double 8 Foods was a regional grocery store chain based in Indianapolis. It originally launched as "Seven-Eleven Supermarket" in 1957 and rebranded to Double 8 in 2000.[1] The chain distinguished itself by offering soul food items such as chitterlings, catfish, and pork ribs.[2] Due to ongoing financial losses and a lack of interest from larger competitors to acquire the chain, Double 8 Foods ceased operations in 2015, contributing to the creation of food deserts.[3][4] After closure, the former Double 8 buildings have been repurposed for use as breweries and dining establishments.[5][6]
History
Founded in 1957 by Zoltan Weisz, Double 8 Foods began its operations under the name Seven-Eleven Supermarket.[7] The inaugural store was situated on North Sherman Drive in Indianapolis. Notably, by 1959, the company became the first grocery retailer in Indiana to appoint an African American manager.[8] Starting in 2003, several locations introduced "dollar aisles" and incorporated dollar store sections, beginning with the Fairfield Avenue branch.[9] Prior to its closure, Isaiah Kuperstein managed the grocery chain; he is related by marriage to founder Zoltan Weisz as the husband of Weisz’s great-niece Elana.[10]
Closing
On July 23, 2015, Double 8 Foods ceased operations at all its locations, attributing the shutdown primarily to declining sales. Customers were only informed about the chain’s closure on the very day the stores closed their doors. Likewise, employees were kept unaware of their impending layoffs until the announcement. The company struggled to compete against major retailers such as Walmart and Meijer, alongside the emergence of dollar stores near their outlets. In an effort to preserve the stores, Double 8 Foods sought a potential new operator but was ultimately unsuccessful.
Food deserts
The abrupt disappearance of Double 8 Foods left numerous community members without nearby grocery options. Consequently, local churches and fire departments began providing transportation services to alternative supermarkets. Tony Mason, president of the Indianapolis Urban League, issued a statement in response to the closures, highlighting a collaboration with municipal officials aimed at distributing resource guides to those impacted.
Aftermath
The former Double 8 Foods properties have been adapted for various new enterprises. The location on N. Illinois St. has been converted into Happy Brewing Co., a brewery. Similarly, a warehouse on E. 46th St. now accommodates Black Circle Brewing alongside a co-working facility catering to home-service professionals such as electricians and plumbers. Additionally, the previous Double 8 store at the intersection of N. College Ave. and E. 46th St. has been transformed into Next Door American Eatery, a restaurant owned by Kimbal Musk.
References
- ↑ Biro, Liz. "Double 8 grocery stores: Here's what they are now". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved 2022-07-28.
- ↑ Hostetler, Joan (2011-08-11). "Then and Now: Kroger Store / Double 8 Foods". Historic Indianapolis | All Things Indianapolis History. Retrieved 2022-07-28.
- ↑ "Indianapolis grocer Double 8 Foods permanently closes stores". wthr.com. July 23, 2015. Retrieved 2022-07-28.
- ↑ Garrison, Jeff Swiatek, Gabby Ferreira and Ellen. "Does Double 8 closing add to food desert problem?". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved 2022-07-28.
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<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs named:4 - ↑ "Community organizes, reacts to Double 8 closing". Indianapolis Recorder. 2015-07-30. Retrieved 2023-04-19.
- ↑ "Double8Foods". 2008-06-28. Archived from the original on 28 June 2008. Retrieved 2022-07-30.
- ↑ "Double8Foods". 2008-06-28. Archived from the original on 28 June 2008. Retrieved 2022-07-30.
- ↑ "Double 8 closes four remaining grocery stores". Indianapolis Business Journal. Retrieved 2022-07-28.