Group organizing to prevent Crestline Piggly Wiggly closing

Crestline’s only grocery store is under lease negotiations, and a Facebook group has been organized to make sure the Pig is not going anywhere.

"As late as yesterday, we are still in lease discussions with the landlord’s representative," said Andy Virciglio, co-owner of Piggly Wiggly Food Stores of Jefferson County Inc., in a statement on Saturday. "Everything about this store fits Crestline, and it is humbling to see how vocal our customers are in wanting us to stay. We are planning on making that happen."

Organizers behind the Facebook group will host a meeting at Emmet O'Neal Library on Monday, June 10 at 5 p.m.

According to the page, which amassed more than 900 "Likes" in a matter of hours, Piggly Wiggly’s lease for its space in Crestline Village expires this year and not yet been renewed.

The  site owner is the Scott family. Walter Scott, a local attorney, was unwilling to comment when contacted. However, community members concerned about losing the store said they have spoken with him.

"From my understanding, the Pig had a 20-year lease that is about to go up for renewal,” Tanya Cooper said. “Walter (Scott) raised the rate on the rent, but it is still below market value. That is fair, but he still needs to make it affordable for the Pig, and the Pig needs to realize that it’s important for them to stay in Mountain Brook.”

Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Terry Chapman said he believed Scott and Piggly Wiggly owner Andy Virciglio have been discussing the possibility of lease renewal for several months.

“(The discussions) resulted in a solid business decision for both parties,” Chapman said. “It is regretful to lose such a long-time and treasured member of the Crestline merchant family. While everyone will feel the loss we are optimistic about another merchant coming in. Space in Crestline is always snatched up quickly."

Rumors are circulating that a national pharmacy chain is interested in the location, but these are unconfirmed. Cooper said her preference was to avoid oversaturation in the Village by keeping Piggly Wiggly in the location.

“We don’t need a big corporate pharmacy coming in. We already have Harbin (Discount Pharmacy) and other small businesses that we don’t want to be hurt. And we don’t want our tax dollars going to the city of Birmingham when we go grocery shopping. So there’s a lot of reasons why the Pig needs to stay."

Editor's Note: This story was updated with a statement from Andy Virciglio on Saturday, June 8 at 1:45 p.m.