The produce shelves at the Andronico's on University Avenue are now empty. Photos by Frances Dinkelspiel

Andronico’s on University Avenue will be closing its doors on Saturday, but in the meantime it is holding a huge going-out-of-business sale.

All the “dry groceries” in the store are 50% off and the wine, beer, and alcohol are 20% off. The sale meant that the grocery store saw a surge in sales on Saturday, when it did seven times the normal amount of business, according to a store manager.

The bankrupt grocery chain, started in Berkeley 82 years ago, has been acquired by Renwood Opportunities Fund, a partnership between Rosewood Private Investments and Renovo Capital, for a reported $16 million. The firm decided to shutter the under-performing store at 1414 University Avenue, but will keep the Telegraph Avenue, Shattuck Avenue, and Solano Avenue stores open. The 15-20 employees in the store have all been asked to reapply for jobs in the chain, according to a city official. There will be some layoffs, the manager said.

Customers pick through a table of deeply discounted goods

Many groceries are 50% off at Andronico's
Beer and alcohol are 20% off at Andronico's
Customers check out of Andronico's

Related:
Andronico’s to shutter University Avenue store [ 10.17.11]
Andronico’s and A.G. Ferrari saved from the brink [10.12.11]
Andronico’s files for bankruptcy [08.22.11]
Andronico’s plans recapitalization with new lenders and investors [05.25.11]
Four Berkeley Andronico’s face difficult conditions [05.24.11]
A.G. Ferrari closes Berkeley store, company bankrupt [04.05.11]

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Frances Dinkelspiel, Berkeleyside and CItyside co-founder, is a journalist and author. Her first book, Towers of Gold: How One Jewish Immigrant Named Isaias Hellman...