'We Just Decided It's Time': Iconic Norman Brothers Produce Shuts Down Sunday

KENDALL (CBSMiami) – After more than four decades in business, Norman Brothers Produce will close this weekend.

The iconic market in Kendall on Southwest 87th Avenue is officially closing its doors on Sunday.

"You know what, we just decided that it's time, it's time," said Kim Booth, a partner of the store and the daughter of Norman Brothers owner, David Nelson. "It's hard, it's bittersweet, but we're going to be okay."

Booth is one of Nelson's five children. Nelson, along with his high school sweetheart, Marilyn, bought Norman Brothers 41 years ago and turned it into a family-run landmark famous for its fresh food and sweet shakes.

"The ladies that were housewives would say, 'where can I get fresh bread, where can I get fresh seafood'. And my father listened," Booth told CBS4's Brooke Shafer on Friday.

The owners of the iconic market sold their landmark business in Kendall to a developer who plans to build a 125-bed hospital sized assisted living facility.

Moving forward, Booth said they're planning cookbooks with stories and some of their favorite recipes. But they don't plan on moving the business to another location.

"To see it all come to a close and know that there's a holiday coming up, Thanksgiving, that we're actually going to be able to sit at a table and not be so exhausted. That we can actually enjoy each other's company. For 41 years, we haven't done that," said Booth.

Norman Brothers employs more than 70 people and prides itself on being a family affair.

"It's been my life, and we've been with so many people. We've watched their families grow as ours has," said Jay Suggs, whose been a part of Norman Brothers since he was born, he said.

Suggs' mom is the general manager of the store and his aunt is the seafood and wine buyer.

"I used to come here after elementary school and do my homework in the office and then come downstairs and stack apples or put out bananas whatever was needed," he said. "And then I started officially working here when I was 14."

Booth told CBS4's Brooke Shafer people have stopped by the store with business cards to help the employees now left without work when the store closes.

Norman Brothers will officially close on Sunday, August 8th at 5 p.m.