337 Grafton St, Worcester, MA

Original Grocery Tenant: A&P

Address: 337 Grafton St, Union Hill, Worcester, MA

Opened: bet. 1937 and 1943

Closed: bet. 1949 and 1957

Later Tenants: Iandoli Super Markets (open by 1957, closed bet. 1969 and 1973)

Photographed: November 7, 2020

We've discussed Iandoli's previously, and now it's time to see another of their former locations. This store was built around the late 1970s and, at just 7600 square feet, it's pretty small. It replaced an even older store dating back to the 1930s when A&P built a store closer to the street. Iandoli's later moved into the space in the 1950s, replacing the store about 20 years later. Here's a look at the A&P-turned-Iandoli's, along with some background on the chain. The Iandolis also owned the Austin Liquors and Honey Farms chains of liquor stores and convenience stores, respectively, but have sold both.

This amazing sign remains, probably from opening day in the 70s! I spotted this while using the ATM which has been added to the front of the building. I don't believe Shaw's ever occupied this space, following their purchase of Iandoli's in 1987, but they did briefly have a store much later a couple blocks west that completely crashed and burned immediately. Grafton Street has an enormous number of former supermarkets as it winds its way east of downtown Worcester, and we're off to see another tomorrow!