West Point Market in Akron, among Ohio's largest gourmet food markets, will be closing its doors by the end of this year and be replaced, possibly, by a branch of the nationwide Whole Foods Market chain.

Owners of the 80-year-old family-owned store were expected to inform the 100-member staff Friday morning and entice them to stay through the finale, according to a story by the Akron Beacon Journal at Ohio.com.

But the main store's closing will open a new chapter in its groundbreaking history, the Beacon reported, by creating a series of smaller West Point Market locations to carry on the store's potent brand of cheeses, baked goods and deli items.

In the 1960s, it was Russ Vernon who convinced his parents and their business partners to expand their neighborhood grocery store into a gourmet market. Vernon, according to a 2004 story by Plain Dealer business writer Mary Vanac, "began by building relationships with local and foreign suppliers -- farmers, dairies, bakeries, butchers and wineries. For instance, West Point imports the seeds of a special Italian tomato, working with local farmers to grow the tomatoes here."

In 1987, he doubled the market's size to include a cafe and a tea room, as well as specialized wine, produce, prepared food, fish, meat, bakery and floral departments. One aisle was devoted to imported chocolates and candy, and another, to gourmet kitchen utensils.

Vernon also invested in employees, the story said, hiring a human resources manager and teaching workers about the foods they prepared and sold.

Vernon retired a decade ago, but continued to contribute to the store.

"With our business model, we had a wonderful ride," Vernon told the Beacon.

Larry Uhl, the current manager, told the Akron Beacon Journal that "we're not the only place you can buy a decent bottle of olive oil."

The company buying the property, according to the Beacon, is S.J. Collins Enterprises out of Fairborn, Ga., near Atlanta. They are known for developing shopping centers anchored by Whole Foods, the large natural and organic grocer, although officials there have not yet confirmed that a Whole Foods will be the anchor in Akron.

"There really hasn't been any decision regarding an Akron location at this time," said Manda F. Kelley, spokeswoman at the Cedar Center Whole Foods.