Karns Quality Foods to acquire a long-standing family market in central Pennsylvania.

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After more than a century, Mutzabaugh Family Market in Duncannon withdraws from the grocery store.

In a letter posted Monday on Facebook, owners Stanley Mutzabaugh and Robin Stone said as of December 6 that they were selling the market to Karns Quality Foods in Silver Spring Township.

“In short, it has become a challenge for a single store operator to navigate the never-ending changes in regulations, changes in our industry and the rising costs of health care, utilities and the cost of retailers. goods, ”they wrote. “It was a great race, but now is the time to move on.”

Mutzabaugh’s is known for its butcher’s meats, sub-sandwiches, seafood department, and bakery. It was founded in 1920 when Thomas Mutzabaugh began selling homemade cured meat and ice cream from a horse and buggy.

Over the years the market has operated in different locations before arriving in 1993 at its current address at 3 Friendly Drive in Duncannon Plaza in Perry County.

Stanley Mutzabaugh declined to comment for this story.

However, in the letter, the family said Mutzabaugh’s and Karns had operated their businesses on similar principles and had a long history of serving their communities. The letter states that Karns Foods is retaining staff and working with employees during the transition.

“We firmly believe that the Karns family are the ideal person to take over the Mutzabaugh market. We ask you to support them as you have done so that our staff and our community can continue to flourish, ”the letter read.

In this PennLive file photo from 1999, shoppers buy meat at an annual sale at Mutzabaughs Market in Duncannon.

Harrisburg Patriot-News

Andrea Karns, vice president of sales and marketing for Karns, said the store will remain open during the transition and the key holiday shopping season.

Store renovations will begin in 2022 and will include updates to the produce and bakery section as well as improvements to the meat and seafood departments with an 80-foot full-service checkout. Other upgrades will include additions to the fresh deli counter, a new front-end system and a decor refresh.

“Mutzabaugh’s has been a treasure trove for the community, and we are delighted to continue their tradition with Karns Improvements,” said Scott Karns, President and CEO.

The family-owned Karns business has been in business for over 60 years, operating stores in Cumberland, Perry, Dauphin and York counties.

With the acquisition, Karns expands its presence to 10 stores. The new Karns store will be the second in Perry County, joining its new Bloomfield store.

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