Di Bruno Bros. is closing three of its five gourmet markets.

Three of the five Di Bruno Bros. locations are set to close in the coming weeks, a decision confirmed by Wakefern Food Corp., the New Jersey-based supermarket cooperative that acquired the brand in 2024. Specific closing dates for the affected shops have not yet been disclosed.

Employees at the Ardmore Farmer’s Market, which has been in operation since 2011, have been informed that their last day of business will be February 4. Staff members at locations in Wayne, which opened in 2021, and the Franklin Residences on Ninth Street, established in 2013, were told that these stores would close on February 11. The original Di Bruno’s store, located in the Italian Market of South Philadelphia, as well as the two-level establishment at 18th and Chestnut Streets, will remain operational.

In a strategic pivot, Wakefern Food Corp. indicated that the company is redirecting its market strategy to focus more on the two flagship locations and expanding its online business. The aim is to enhance and maintain the in-store shopping experience while simultaneously broadening the brand’s reach in a meaningful manner.

Job security for retail employees appears to be a priority, as Sandy Brown, executive vice president of Brown’s Super Stores, stated that every affected employee will be offered positions at other locations. This news coincides with recent announcements regarding store closures and layoffs at Amazon Fresh, which have left approximately 1,000 individuals unemployed across six stores in the Philadelphia area.

The three stores set for closure feature the key offerings of Di Bruno’s, including a variety of cheeses, charcuterie, and specialty grocery items. The Ardmore location is designed for quick service, providing guests with grab-and-go options such as bagels and coffee. In contrast, the Wayne store is a full-fledged neighborhood market with familiar cheese and charcuterie counters, a café, and a bar. The Franklin location serves a more office-friendly clientele, offering ready-to-eat meals, a coffee bar, and a selection of wines.

The acquisition of Di Bruno’s in April 2024 by corporate entities linked to Brown’s Super Stores drew attention due to the differing operational styles when compared to the broader supermarket model. Wakefern has expressed ambitions to elevate the Di Bruno brand, previously indicating plans to launch additional stores over the next decade.

Founded in 1939 by Italian immigrant brothers Danny and Joe Di Bruno, the brand has a rich history and has evolved significantly over the years. The current leadership, comprised of the founders’ grandsons and nephews, has been pivotal in expanding the business beyond its original location. The move to close certain locations marks a new chapter for Di Bruno’s, as it seeks to refine its approach in an ever-changing retail environment.