Middletown’s Super Foodtown To Close, Ending Decades of Community Impact

A Port Monmouth fixture, Super Foodtown, will close its doors on Oct. 24. While the main store shuts down, the attached liquor shop stays put in the shopping center.

Circus Foodtown shared the news on their Facebook page this past Thursday. "We are so thankful for the support and kindness this community has shown us over the years, and we truly hope to see you at our other locations in Atlantic Highlands and Red Bank," the company stated.

The news struck hard in Port Monmouth. Seniors who lived steps away from the store now face a tough change. One local wrote on Facebook, "Such a sad time for the small community that relied on this store being so close to the senior housing."

The store meant much to its workers too. A past worker shared online: "End of an era for sure! Foodtown was my first job and really set me up for my professional life."

Two stores run by the Scaduto and Azzolina clans will stay open. Shoppers can still find them in Atlantic Highlands and Red Bank after the Port Monmouth spot closes.

The owners' reach goes past grocery stores. Their firm, Mountain Hill, owns 52 acres where Calico the Evil Clown stands on Route 35. Toll Brothers has started work on the back part, making way for Middletown Walk homes.

The news hit some new locals hard. "This is a major setback to the people of Port Monmouth and vicinity. Now retired, we recently moved to Port Monmouth and the proximity of a supermarket, drug store, and few other stores was considered a major plus," wrote one neighbor on social media.

Customers have until Oct. 24 to shop at Port Monmouth's Super Foodtown. After that, they'll need to head to Atlantic Highlands or Red Bank for their needs.