RIP: Flacco's Market

[Al Alven]

I was very saddened this morning to learn that the old Flacco’s Market on Park Blvd. and Baker Ave. had been demolished.

Thom Fontannaz has an excellent little story (w/pics) on his site, The Wildwoods Reporter.

Check it out: www.thewildwoodsreporter.com

Of course, the news really comes as no surprise, as Flacco’s has been closed and marked for demolition for months now. Still, it is never easy to watch as another classic from the Wildwoods’ past is unceremoniously destroyed.

Flacco’s had to be one of last true “mom and pop” (small and/or original family-owned) stores on the island. In honor of this, let’s try to compile a list of some of our favorites from the past, along with those that are still around.

This could be a nifty little way to get the word out about the ones that are left, as they could truly use, and are deserving, of our support.

The list could include any store (grocery, bakery, etc.) that was individually or family-owned. In other words, not a chain store (ala Wawa, Acme, or whatever).

I’ll start out with just a few, then hopefully, we can add to the list:

Still in operation…

24th Street Market
A & LP Food Center
Bonelli's Market
Britton's Gourmet Bakery
Little Giant Market
Russo's Market

Now but a memory…

Flacco’s Food Market
Marine Italian Bakery
Shea’s 17th St. Market

[watchthetramcar]

how about Brittons Bakery I just was there all last week great Doughnuts, but the best is the Apple Fritters

[Al Alven]

Great one, Kory!

I haven't been to Britton's all year, but you're right; the apple fritters are the best.

[hulk007]

I thought I read somewhere that the little giant market was on its way out? If I am correct isnt the lg across the street from Samuel's. I thought someine also mentioned they had high prices.

[Al Alven]

Hulk, I've heard a few rumors about the Little Giant over the past few years, but nothing substantial, or definite yet. But, I don't know... perhaps what you heard was correct.

I still like to shop there when I'm in the area. The prices have gone up, but I think that's the only way they can compete with the "big name" chains these days.

The employees there are always nice and friendly, and the place still has that older "Wildwood" feel. It's nothing that will blow you away, obviously, but it's still definitely among the last of its kind.

[hulk007]

What is the name of the bigger store across the street from the little giant?

[Al Alven]

hulk007 said:

What is the name of the bigger store across the street from the little giant?

You were right -- Samuel's is across the street from the L.G.

The location is 16th & Surf. The breakdown is...

Northwest corner -- Samuel's Pancake House
Northeast corner -- Condos (formerly Johnny's Pizza/Arcade)
Southeast corner -- 16th & Surf Beach Center (exact name?)
Southwest corner -- Little Giant Market

[hulk007]

16 and surf beach center is the name now that I think about it. Huge place with any possible thing you need for the beach.

[FlyinGN]

we go here every year at the start of our vacation to buy beach supplies. Spend over $100 this year! lol.. Been doing it for years..

hulk007 said:

16 and surf beach center is the name now that I think about it. Huge place with any possible thing you need for the beach.

[wildre]

That little shopping district is at 17th & Surf.
Little Giant had a for sale sign(home made/not by agent, with I think an aol email addy) all fall till Spring this year. You're right their prices have gone up, a box of mac + Cheese is $4 I think.. Added this year is a tip jar at the check out. They have no employees that I know of. Just the 4 family members, 2 of which are kids. I guess they do well enough, they leave for Florida Labor Day return Memorial Day.
The true name on the beach, newsstand shop is !7th & Surf Beach Center, well stocked and they opened earlier + stay open later in the Fall.

re

[Al Alven]

Thanks for the clarifications, re.

I don't know exactly why I always insist that that intersection is 16th and Surf. I can't seem to get 17th in my head (it's probably because the address of Samuel's is actually 1610 Surf, which I still remember from when I was a kid, for some odd reason).

As for the Little Giant, I also didn't realize that all of the "employees" were the family members who own/run the store. I stop in their when I can, but I guess its still infrequently enough that I have never taken note of these things.

Thanks again for clearing that stuff up, and for all of the additional info!

[hulk007]

Oops, I also thought the name was 16th and Surf. Off by one number.