The Penn Traffic bankruptcy and sale announcements should have little impact on Thorne's BiLo.

Although Penn Traffic operates BiLo Foods, Quality Markets and P&C Foods stores in Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire, Thorne's BiLo has very little connection with the parent.

"It should have very little impact on us," Owner Bill Thorne said.

Thorne said the local store's wholesale relationship with Penn Traffic in December 2008, going with C&S Wholesalers of New Hampshire.

"We still do a few things with Penn Traffic," he said. "Penn Traffic does handle some of the deliveries. That'll be picked up by C&S."

The BiLo name will remain with the store. Thorne said he does not foresee changing the name.

The fate of the Sheffield and Youngsville Quality Markets, which are Penn Traffic operations, is cloudy. Those two stores are owned and operated by Penn Traffic and would be subject to sale or closure in the near future.

An auction of Penn Traffic assets will be held by Dec. 30 according to the bankruptcy filing.

Closing on the sale of Penn Traffic assets, including 79 stores, must take place by Jan. 4, according to the bankruptcy agreement.

If a buyer or buyers can be found, the stores could continue to operate.

Penn Traffic employs some 5,700 people. Whether or not buyers are found, the company will shut down no later than Feb. 15, according to a Nov. 18 letter from the company to some employees.

A message left for the media contact for Penn Traffic was not returned Wednesday.