McKinnon's Market

[smk0307.livejournal.com]

I'm surprised no one has posted this yet. As of last Saturday, 11/5, McKinnon's Market is now owned by Broadway Market. Jimmy, the owner/manager is retiring but will help with the transition. A number of the long term employees have been laid off and some employees who are still there have had their hours cut. When I went there on Sunday, the deli and produce sections were pretty lean. One of the employees who has been laid off (his last day) said that major changes are in store to include the elimination of the deli section, though probably not until after the holidays.

Comments

[ron_newman]

Are they trying to prepare for the opening of bfresh across the street?

[pakoo.livejournal.com]

But will bfresh open in our lifetime? ;)

[ron_newman]

They have Help Wanted posters on the windows now. It's looking more and more like a grocery store inside. And Dunkin Donuts already has its new sign up, though they don't look ready to open yet.

Edit: now Dunkin Donuts also has its own, separate, Help Wanted poster up.

[serious-noir.livejournal.com]

Thanks for posting this news. Seemed like something was going on (new cashier, stocks more bare in the produce area).

I never bought much deli there but the deli guys were great. There is one guy who just has the most lovable face and manner – a sort of 1940's face with a slightly "hangdog" look. He has always been so friendly and helpful.

[smk0307.livejournal.com]

That is Bobby. He'd worked the deli for 14 years and was laid off.

[nomacmac.livejournal.com]

Oh no! I am surprised that they are getting rid of the deli. There was always a line when I went there. Bobby and the other guys behind the deli counter were always so friendly.

[etana.livejournal.com]

That stinks. The deli guys were great. What's going to happen, I wonder?

[teko.livejournal.com]

That's a shame, I loved their deli. But since bfresh will have a big deli & prepared foods area, I guess it's not surprising. And while I liked the convenience of their produce area, it was more of an "emergency produce" section.

Do you know if their long time cashier, the wonderful ancient woman who'd been there for 20+ years, was laid off? The last time I was there a few weeks ago, she and the butcher were commiserating about how "their souls were being torn apart" and that it would "all be over soon, and good riddance", stuff like that.

[nomacmac.livejournal.com]

She was there today, as was one of the other regular deli guys, I think his name is Carlos.

[smk0307.livejournal.com]

Julio is still there as well.

bummer!

[elramsay.livejournal.com]

Their deli prices were very reasonable. Best prices in town. bFresh will not be so affordable, I am sure. Perhaps McKinnons will go back to focusing on being a butcher/meat market, not a small grocery store. I'll miss the deli guy too!!

[ron_newman]

Marc Hurwitz of Boston Restaurant Talk has confirmed this story.

McKinnon's Market

[charlie-41363.livejournal.com]

Please don't believe everything you hear. 90% of employees have been retained. Nobody has had hours cut, and the Deli will remain.
New products will be added to the mix. We will maintain the same great prices, and the same great quality that the community has come to expect.

Broadway Marketplace in Cambridge, is currently comprised of 3 unrelated companies, one of which I own, along with BG Events and Catering in Boston. I have a strong background in meat, deli and prepared foods, and I am a 3rd generation meat retailer.

Recently, I purchased McKinnon's in Davis Square from James K. and Clementino P. Our team will continue to work side by side with Jimmy and Clementino to merge the same old world charm of McKinnon's with the more contemporary look, feel and product mix of Broadway Marketplace in Cambridge. It won't happen overnight, but we are listening carefully to customers, and we're looking forward to making many improvements over the coming year.
Charlie B

Re: McKinnon's Market

[smk0307.livejournal.com]

Thanks for posting this information, Charlie. It is good to hear that most of the employees will stay and that no extraordinary changes are planned for now. Welcome to the neighborhood!

RE: McKinnon's Market

[abilouise.livejournal.com]

I hope the prices won't climb too high. The low prices are a huge deal for a lot of us.

[teko.livejournal.com]

Just to note that I was there today, and the produce and deli sections were fully stocked. The only thing I noticed that'd changed was that the usual rack of Italian loaves from the Winter Hill Bakery wasn't there, but quite honestly, there's better bread vendors out there.