Longboat Key Foodmart closes doors

Longboat Key Foodmart owner Hathim Alhabita began moving out of the store's location at 5600 Gulf of Mexico Drive Saturday, June 27. By Tuesday, most of the convenience store’s contents had been removed, with remaining items scattered throughout the store.

Alhabita could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Harry Christensen, who owns the Foodmart building, said he didn’t know his tenant was leaving until he saw him moving out Saturday evening. Christensen estimated that the business had been in the same family for approximately 10 years.

Christensen, who owns and operates Harry’s Continental Kitchens, located just behind the Foodmart, said that he would like to eventually re-open the convenience store and market with sandwiches and fresh produce available, although he is just beginning to look at the possibilities.

“I don’t know what the permits will allow,” he said.