Grandpa’s C Mart, located in the Dundee neighborhood, has been more than just a grocery store.

For the past 13 years Grandpa’s C Mart has been a “staple” in the Dundee area and it closed its doors on Sunday. Lou and Paula Hyland, owners of Grandpa’s C Mart, are planning on retiring.

It was time to move on for the Hylands though.

The Hylands also known as “Grandpa” and “Grandma” are excited, too, and they won’t be far away. They live in Dundee and plan to stay involved.

“How many other grandma and grandpas do you know that are 75 and still working 16-hour days?” Paula Hyland said. “It’s going to be really weird, but it will be good.”

“It’s always sad to see a business close,” Business senior Bobby Fortier said. “You always hope that a business will make it.”

Early rumors about what would come of the building were that it was going to be torn down to create a parking garage. Those rumors have proven false.  The Hylands have leased the property out to Willy Theisen. Theisen owns Pitch Coal-Fire Pizzeria which is located across the street from Grandpa’s location.

The lease agreement states that the store has to operate as a business.  Theisen is working on creating another new concept for a restaurant like he did with Pitch.

“I love Dundee,” Theisen said, “and it’s getting a much needed face-lift and it will be more pedestrian-friendly, which is what I like.”

Theisen is referring to a multi-million dollar proposal that would increase parking by 20 percent and improve sidewalks with brick lavers, benches and landscaping. If the plan is approved by the City Council and if the remaining $500,000 is raised, construction could start as early as next year.