Bayville Super Foodtown To Close Two Weeks Earlier Than Previously Scheduled

Although Food Circus officials officials announced in January that the Bayville Super Foodtown would close on Feb. 25, the date has been moved up two weeks.

Large white banners are taped to the front of the store announcing the earlier date.

"Thank you for your customer loyalty of 20 years," the banners read. "Super Foodtown of Bayville will be closing on Feb. 11, 2012 at 6 p.m."

Residents are urged instead to visit the Super Foodtown in Toms River on Route 37.

Most of the sections inside are bare, replaced by empty metal shelves. The bakery and seafood department closed several weeks ago. The delicatessen is no longer in operation.

Louis Scaduto Jr., president of Food Circus, the parent company of the Bayville store, has said the decision to shutter the store was simply an economic one, reflecting ongoing struggles of that store.

"It's unfortunate," Scaduto said. "We've been there for more than 20 years. But when you have a location that's struggling, you have to do what is best for the health of the company."

But supermarket industry consultant Matthew P. Casey has said the reasons for the Bayville Foodtown's demise includes an outdated store, high prices, a poor economy and competition from the nearby Shop Rite.

Casey, of Clark-based Matthew P. Casey and Associates, specializes in site evaluations, feasibility and demographic studies for supermarkets.

Casey has also said he doubts that many Bayville residents will head for the Toms River Foodtown, except to "cherry pick" specials.