CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) – Stanley's Market abruptly closed Monday after 48 years at North and Elston.

After several hours of turning surprised shoppers away, the doors opened up again for some lucky customers.

Tony Panagiotaros, the owner's nephew, said the store called three food pantries to offer all the fruits and vegetables on the shelves. He said all three declined because they supposedly needed the food to be boxed properly.

"I find it very peculiar. We're trying to feed the homeless here in Chicago and no one's helping us,” he said.

Panagiotaros didn't know which pantries were called. One pantry contracted by WBBM Newsradio said they would've accepted the food, boxed or not.

In any case, Panagiotaros opened the doors and let customers reap the harvest.

"Sir, take this bag and fill it up as much as you want. This is on Stanley's today. This is our last day,” he said.

Stanley's is catty-corner from the site that will become the Lincoln Yards redevelopment. The market property will be sold.