June 28, 2021 9:20p
(WGTD)---The building that housed Jack Andrea in Kenosha for decades has a new owner.
Jockey International--whose corporate headquarters is located kitty-corner to the gift shop and soda fountain/cafe--announced Monday that it will buy the building once Andrea's closing sale is over. The Andrea family announced earlier this month that the store, which had been closed for much of the pandemic, would close for good.
"We are delighted that Jockey, our neighbor of over 100 years, is taking over our building,” said David Andrea in a Jockey news release. “Like us, their family is deeply rooted in this community and committed to our neighborhood. We know they will continue to be positive custodians of our home for the past 110 years. Our family feels grateful and blessed to have had the support of multiple generations of Kenoshans. It was truly a joy to go to work every day. "
In the same release, Jockey president and COO Mark Fedyk noted that Andrea's was a Kenosha institution visited regularly by Jockey employees. Commenting on the store closure, Fedyk said: "We know this was not an easy decision. It is very difficult to see a family-owned business – a staple in Kenosha’s business community for more than 110 years – close their doors.”
Plans for the building and store will be announced by Jockey at a later date. “For Jockey, this is an investment in the Uptown neighborhood and Kenosha community, which has been our home for more than 120 years,” said Fedyk. “Our future plans for the property will continue to focus on serving families, uplifting the neighborhood, providing opportunities for the community and creating a place to gather and shop.”
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