SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Nojaim Brothers Supermarket on the city's west side will close after 98 years in business.

Paul Nojaim, who owns the grocery store at 307 Gifford St., sent a letter to employees Monday announcing the decision.

"It is with great sadness that I inform you that Nojaim Inc. will be closing in the near future as we are unable to remain financially viable," the letter said.

The store is expected to close sometime next month once its current inventory runs low.

Nojaim could not be reached Tuesday morning.

Ben Smothers, an employee who "does almost everything," said news of the store closing was a "fastball that came too fast."

"No one was really prepared," he said.

Smothers has worked at Nojaims since 2007. In his letter, Nojaim offered to meet with each employee personally to discuss their options and offer assistance.

Nojaims has been operating on the west side of Syracuse since 1919. Paul Nojaim has been actively involved in efforts to revitalize the Near West Side neighborhood, often donating resources and money to projects and organizations.

In 2014, the store underwent a $2.65 million renovation, adding 3,000 square feet. Nojaim Brothers received a $1 million state grant for the work as well as city tax breaks estimated at $58,690 over 10 years.

This spring, a Price Rite opened less than a mile down the road from Nojaims. The Price Rite got a 10-year tax break from the Syracuse Industrial Development Agency, worth an estimated $329,400.

A manager at the Nojaims supermarket in Marcellus said that store is not closing. Rich Nojaim, Paul's brother, runs that store.

This is a developing story. Check back later for more.