King Kullen’s final goodbye leaves Hewlett shoppers in tears

Terri Hess walked through the aisles of the Hewlett King Kullen one final time Thursday carrying memories far heavier than groceries.

“My husband, who died two years ago, would have a heart attack knowing they closed our favorite store,” the Hewlett resident told Greater Long Island as she walked out of her beloved and familiar supermarket one final time.

After more than 45 years serving the Five Towns community, the Peninsula Boulevard store officially closed its doors at 3 p.m. Thursday.

There were tears, hugs and emotional farewells throughout the day as shoppers stopped in one last time to thank employees, share memories and say goodbye to a neighborhood institution many said felt more like family than a grocery store.

“All these people in here were so kind to me after [my husband] passed. They became like family,” Hess added. “First I lost him, now I lost my King Kullen family. It was very hard to say goodbye.”

Another longtime customer, Ron Hess of Valley Stream — who is not related to Terri Hess — described the closure as “heart-wrenching.”

“Very emotional day for me. I’ve been shopping here for 30 years,” he said while trying to hold back tears. “And I also worked in the deli department, so I know so many people here.”

Hess said the hardest part of the day was saying goodbye to his former co-workers he has known for decades.

“I’ve seen some of these kids grow up in the store. I know their families too, so it’s tough,” he said.

One goodbye in particular stood out.

“Barbara behind the deli counter made me cry,” Ron Hess said. “I’ve known her so long. There were hugs, and I tried to keep a smile on my face.”

King Kullen announced last month that the Hewlett location would be closing and said employees would be offered positions at other store locations.

Founded in 1930, King Kullen is recognized as America’s first supermarket and remains one of Long Island’s most known grocery chains. There are now 24 King Kullen locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.

No word yet on what may replace the now-vacant supermarket space.