LOWER PROVIDENCE TOWNSHIP, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — A popular Montgomery County store is being forced to close due to construction.
Thousands of people have signed a petition to protect Jim & Ralph's Produce from expropriation.
The building, located in the 3900 block of Ridge Pike in Collegeville, is scheduled to close next week.
“This is what we do for a living. This is our family,” said Steven Roberto, co-owner of Jim and Ralph's Produce.
For decades, family ownership and fresh food have thrived in this business.
“My mind is racing trying to figure out what to do,” said Dave Roberto, co-owner of Jim and Ralph's Produce. “I love what I do.”
The store opened in Norristown in 1972 and will be in business for 25 years before making its final stop in Lower Providence Township on Ridge Pike.
“My life is going to be a struggle, I know that,” Dave said. “I make a living, I love it, and as long as people come, I can keep donating. And now it's all gone. I'm sick of it.”
“It's frustrating, it's infuriating and it's really exhausting,” Stephen said.
Brothers Dave and Steven worked in their father and uncle's shop since they were children.
Roberto and his wife said they were evicted through eminent domain.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is working on a realignment project to improve travel and safety on both sides of the Perkiomen Bridge, according to the town's website.
According to the maps, the intersection of Ridge Pike and Germantown Pike will be eliminated in favor of a new road layout, and the storefront would have to be demolished.
“This is not just going to affect our family, it's going to affect thousands of people. We serve probably 50 restaurants,” Stephen said.
They've been serving Collegeville Italian Bakery down the road for nearly 30 years.
“They're great people,” said bakery co-owner Patrizia Calcari, “and they're like family to us. It's a shame because it could have happened to any of these businesses.”
“The local community is sad,” said Steve Karkery, the bakery's other co-owner, “and we're doing everything we can to support them and find them a new home.”
They hope to find a new home for the family-run business while saying goodbye to their loyal customers.
“I can't even speak,” Steven said, choking up. “Thank you for coming. Thank you for your support.”
Jim and Ralph's Produce is set to close on June 17th.
Roberto's family would like to relocate, but finding affordable space is difficult.
We reached out to Penn Transit and local leaders about next steps but did not hear back.
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