More than a grocery store

To the editor:

I was disappointed to read your recent editorial comment regarding NJ’s grocery in Lake Leelanau, a small business that has been a cherished part of our community for decades. Your description of it as “better than nothing” came across as ignorant, unfair, and it certainly does not reflect the experience or sentiments of local residents.

NJ’s is more than just a grocery store. It’s a place where neighbors run into each other, where employees greet customers by name, and where the focus has always been on quality, service, and community. At a time when many small businesses are struggling to stay afloat, it’s disheartening to see our local paper criticize one of the few places that still embodies what makes our town special.