The Village Market, known to long-term residents as “Fancy’s”, has closed its doors for good this winter. Experiencing slow sales in tough economic times, the owner is shutting the storefront down.

Cynthia Suonpera and her husband “Red”, owners of The Village Market, have closed down the storefront after their lease expired on Dec 31st, 2010. The building is up for sale by their landlord, and rumor has it that a gourmet market may open in the new location under different owners.

Originally called “Fancy’s” by its previous owners, the storefront has been in continuous operation for almost 50 years. The Suonperas have owned the store since 2001.

In an interview with the Doreen Leggett of the Cape Codder, Mrs. Suonpera said “The Suonperas want to thank all their customers, many of whom they consider family, and let them know they are looking for a new place. Perhaps further down Cape”, also mentioning they will be bringing their recipes with them.

So, it looks like The Village Market is not out of business entirely, just moving to a new location, but it is certainly out of East Orleans and marks the close of an era.