Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Just days after announcing an imminent closing on its official Facebook page, Kirwen’s Supermarket has a new realtor and several potential buyers interested.
“Actually, we were surprised, extremely surprised,” tri-owner Andy Kirwen said. “We knew there was people that loved coming here, and obviously after the Facebook post, we were pleasantly surprised that there was a lot of people who were not happy about (us deciding to close).”
Kirwen (64), who owns the 103-year-old grocery store along with his siblings, Bill (67) and Brenda (70), said that the family decided to sell a little over a year ago. With them nearing retirement age and his son not interested in running the business, they listed it with a broker.
“Obviously, they didn't do a very good job because we had a few people look at it, but then the contract ended with them, and so the decision was made that we're going to just close it up,” Kirwen said.
After that frustration and decision to close, the family recently decided to instead list the property with Wendt Key Team Realty, Ltd. The listing became active for showings beginning Jan. 10 at a price of $499,900, and they’re hoping to find a buyer within the next few weeks.
“We’ve had probably six to eight people go through, and we've got a couple more next week just checking it out,” Kirwen said.
In an ideal world, Kirwen said they would find a buyer, and he would stick around to work at the supermarket. He also has a sister, Julie, who used to help out in the summers while teaching at Gibsonburg. Now retired, she helps Andy in the produce department along with his sister-in-law, Jan. Julie also runs the Facebook page, and Brenda handles office duties. Each sibling handles different departments.
In total, the three siblings come from a family of 11, and the supermarket has been a family affair since their grandfather, Raymond Paul Kirwen, originally opened the store in Helena in 1922. Andy’s grandfather thought that Gibsonburg would be a better town for the store, and that move happened shortly after World War I.
The business, located at 104 W. Madison St., was later joined by Raymond Paul’s sons, Raymond Bud and Donald Edwards. Women in the family such as Carol Holcomb, Peggy Wonderly, Rita Brown, Mary Herman, and Nancy Kirwen also played important roles.
After Donald passed away in 2008, the three siblings took over the store, which has been at its current location for several decades. The business has featured many expansions and moves over the years, and it first started in a village building that had been a saloon.
The current listing from Wendt Key Team Realty, Ltd. is as follows:
“Family owned and operated for 103 years, Kirwen’s Grocery Store is the hub of activity in the heart of downtown Gibsonburg and is ready for a new owner. All buildings (six parcels) and business fixtures are included in the sale. Food/product inventory not included, to be purchased separately. This is a turnkey operation that is near-and-dear to all of the locals.
“The sale includes a C2 liquor license (beer and wine only, no Sunday sales), subject to any required government approvals. Current owner also offers lottery sales, new owner would need to apply to continue if desired.
“Grocery store has six aisles of shelving and/or refrigeration units, three check-out lanes, fresh meat preparation station, deli display cases, deli order prep area, storage room, office, large deli prep kitchen, 28'x9' walk-in refrigerator/freezer space, break room, all LED lighting, and two bathrooms. Store has entrance at corner of State Routes 300 & 600 as well as an entrance off of parking lot behind the building.
“Upper level of buildings contains three apartments, all currently rented. Electric and gas separate for all units, water/sewer/garbage included in rent. Additional area in upper level has office size spaces as well as large storage spaces.
“Recent updates to grocery store features new flooring (2022), kitchen venting updated in 2025 and new heat exchangers in both furnaces in 2024.”
Should anyone be interested in purchasing the business, you can contact realtor Jill Swaisgood at 419-680-9113.
“Kirwen’s has been a Gibsonburg community staple for over 100 years, owned and operated by the Kirwen family since conception,” Swaisgood said. “Kirwen’s friendly, hometown service and their commitment to meet their customers’ needs by offering fresh produce, meats, deli items, and more has resulted in their long-term success.
“Kirwen’s is known for its strong community values, and its great customer service. The owners and employees know most of their customers on a first-name basis, have watched the local families grow, and have fostered connections in the small-town setting. These connections have strengthened the impact of this business and enhanced the trust and loyalty between customers and staff. Whether stocking up their pantries for the week or dropping in for a gallon of milk, customers know they will be greeted with a warm welcome and would likely bump into a local friend or two.
“The residents of Gibsonburg have embraced and supported this hometown store for decades. Without Kirwen’s, the closest grocery store would be in Pemberville or Fremont. We hope to see a successful transition to a new owner that will keep this local hub open for decades to come.”
