Holmdel’s Dearborn Market Sold to ShopRite

A popular local market has been sold to a big name grocer.

Asbury Park Press reports Dearborn Market, Rt. 35 in Holmdel, has been sold to Saker ShopRite, owners of nearly 30 ShopRite grocery stores in our area.

The report claims the news owners will keep the Dearborn name, and that the store will still be run by the Luccarelli family, who have operated the business in Holmdel since 1955.

It's definitely the kind of place where you can walk in not planning to buy anything in particular and come out with tons of things you didn't know you needed and/or wanted. (Looking at you, infused-honey and frozen cookie dough...)

Response to the sale on social media seems to be mixed, with many people concerned about the store's ability to maintain it's 'local farm feel' and low-cost produce.

One of my Facebook friends flat out said, "No good can come of this."

Others have pointed out that with the store now under the ShopRite umbrella, some of the higher priced specialty items and "fine foods" found at the market could come down in price. Plus, the same family is managing the store, so there's no reason why the quality would change.

One thing is for sure: it's a great store here at the Jersey Shore that does a ton for the community and always has fun events going on, which is definitely something I hope will continue with the new owners!