Paper Palate

Don’t tell my husband, but Larry has been on my mind since Tuesday. I’ve gone from denial to anger. I’m depressed, yet the books tell me I’m slowly working my way toward acceptance. Why so glum? News broke on Tuesday that the Kirkland, Washington based Larry’s Market chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The Seattle Times reports the market chain, which has been in business since 1945, owes creditors $21.5 million and is currently looking for a buyer. Whether a single buyer will purchase all six Larry’s is unclear.

But clearly, the market will be missed. Larry’s is a speciality store not afraid to carry both Coca-Cola and Dry Soda, fish sticks and the finest sashimi grade tuna, or Wonder Bread alongside fresh baked focaccia. It’s a discerning shopper’s paradise. Consultants speculate a change in consumer buying patterns hurt the small chain’s bottom line. The rise in popularity of supercenters such as Walmart and speciality stores like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods might have led to Larry’s financial troubles.

For more information — Seattle Times: Food & Wine: Larry’s Market, upscale icon, loses out to competition