Owner says grocery store to remain open

The owner of a Columbia grocery store this morning denied a report broadcast by ABC 17 News last night that his store was closing.

Jerry Metcalf, majority owner of Patricia’s Foods, in east Columbia called the report an “absolute falsehood”.

Metcalf who oversees six stores in Missouri said the grocery store had no plans to shut its doors and that he was anticipating a busy Super Bowl weekend for the location.

He added he was working on buying the building that housed his store on 900 North Keene Street and was looking forward to the future.

As for the original report, ABC 17 News regrets running a story last night that sourced a store employee saying the shop was closing.

Not contacting Mr. Metcalf or his partner before airing the piece was irresponsible on our part and not consistent with the principles of journalism we practice.

We apologize for any confusion or uneasy feelings the report caused employees, vendors and customers of Patricia’s.