Kurt and Beth Kondak are pictured and have owned the store since 1988.

By SPENCER, ERIN, LUKE, GRAHAM and GRACE KONDAK

Our parents, Kurt and Beth Kondak, purchased Kondaks Community Market in October of 1988, just about one month after they were married. Just in their mid-20s, they risked a lot to invest their lives into this small grocery store and catering business located on the main street of Clarendon.

Prior to purchasing the store, Kurt worked for the previous owners — two Italian brothers, Joe and Sam Montore — from high school onward. The building itself was built back in 1920, originally as a bank. You can still see the large bank vaults that have been converted into walk-in coolers. The grocery store dates back over 70 years, owned by Dale Meddock and then by the Montores. After running the store for 35 years, Joe Montore unexpectedly passed away; Kurt and Beth purchased it soon after, continuing the legacy.

Both of our parents have always been heavily involved in the day-to-day workings of the business, and from a young age, the five of us siblings saw all that our parents poured into it. We all had automatic jobs at the market when we were old enough, and became familiar with the inner workings of the business and its regular customers. We also saw how our parents demonstrated dedication to our community and faithfully served it day after day, year after year. Even when they were tired or felt burnt out, they consistently provided beautiful and delicious meals for those who needed them. They were always quick to offer a helping hand, whether that meant carefully coordinating meals for families who had just lost a loved one, donating food items to community causes, or deferring payment for groceries for those going through hard times until the next month.

Though the market went through difficult periods, we always made the most of our time together, from blaring classic rock music in the closed store while working late during the Christmas rush, tag-teaming in assembly lines to produce dozens of fruit baskets, and working together to prepare food for hundreds of people. Even though we complained about working some days (sorry, mom and dad) we are all very grateful for this business and all it has meant, both for our family and for the community. We learned a work ethic that has served us in many other jobs, and the business helped all five of us to obtain a college education, something my dad didn’t have for himself.

We are also very thankful to you, Warren County (and beyond!) who supported this business and my parents for many years. The regular customers who stopped in to get groceries or lunch each day, the many employees who worked faithfully alongside our family, or the businesses that used our catering for every company party did not go unnoticed by us. You were the reason this business was successful. We think fondly of the fact that the majority of the county has likely tasted Kondaks food sometime in the last 35 years, and we trust that there are many happy and loving memories shared between family and friends over a meal from Kondaks Market.

So, what’s next? We are thrilled to report that Kondaks Market is in the process of being purchased by Frank Sturdevant III. He grew up in Clarendon and actually worked for Kurt and Beth at the market when he was in high school. He’s recently moved back to Warren County after some years away and is excited to invest back in the community and embark on this new adventure. Frank, we hope you’ll remember us if we ever need a job!

We are so proud of our parents and thankful for their example as entrepreneurs and community leaders over these many years. We are also very excited for whatever this next chapter entails for them! Please take a moment to message them on their facebook page or email them at kondaksmkt@gmail.com to express your gratitude and best wishes, as we have already seen many of you do over the past few months as they enter this new season.

Spencer, Erin, Luke, Graham and Grace Kondak are Clarendon residents.