LORAIN, Ohio — Kel Fligner, the longtime owner of the iconic Fligner's Market in Lorain, has passed away at the age of 84.
"With deepest regrets we are writing to announce the recent passing of Kel Fligner. Those of us who knew and worked with him lost a dear friend and a great mentor. He will be remembered for his uncanny ability to make those around him feel special," Fligner's Market wrote in a post on its Facebook page.
If you have spent any significant time in Lorain, you've undoubtedly made a stop at Fligner's on Broadway Avenue. The market, opened by Harry and Morris Fligner in 1924 as "Lorain Cut-Rate Fruit Company," is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
According to Fligner's website, Kel Fligner started working at the store in 1949 and "quickly fell in love with the family business." By 1963, he bought the market from his father and grandfather.
As time went on, Kel incorporated "Fligner's Market" and increased the store's size from 2,000 to its current 35,000 square feet. The market also added a catering service in 1999.
Fligner's is now owned by Kel's son Ben Fligner.
"Originally a 25-foot by 80-foot produce storefront, Fligner’s stands as one of the last independent competitors to the mega-supermarket chains thanks to the efforts of Kel and the 4th generation addition of his son Ben," the market adds on its site.
Fligner's Market also says it features "the largest custom cut full service discount meat counter In Ohio.”
On June 22, Fligner's Market will hold its "100th Anniversary Open House Celebration" from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can find out more about the festivities, including Fligner's "Golden Ticket" contest, by clicking here.
We will post any funeral updates for Kel Fligner to this story.
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