After 20 years of business in Park Slope, the widely cherished specialty neighborhood grocer Hiller and Moon officially closed their doors, reports Patch.
The store's closing comes just months after the specialty gourmet food shop fought a debilitating fire that destroyed the insides of the shop in May.
The owner, Ted Matern, had hoped to reopen. Matern raised more than $37,000 in a GoFundMe started by a friend. But, even with community support, the damages from the fire were still too much for the small business to recover from.
"This is a message of thanks," the shop wrote in an Instagram post.
"We are thoroughly grateful, humbled, and thankful to all of you for your support... Until recently we had hoped to continue, but now realize it's too big a task, with too many hurdles."
Matern opened Hiller and Moon, originally known as Blue Apron Foods, after spending 40 years working in the food industry. He managed a widely-known specialty food shop: Dean and DeLuca in Manhattan. He had always hoped to open a similar business in Park Slope, his longtime home.
Community support remains strong, but many worry about what will fill the grocer's place.
"After 20 years it has been a difficult decision to make," the store's post concludes.
"We especially miss the small visits and chats throughout the day catching up on... whatever. Thank you all."
