Bashas to close 14 stores

Chandler, Ariz. Arizona’s largest privately held grocer, Bashas food stores, said Monday it plans to ask permission from a judge to close 14 underperforming stores as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.

The chain announced July 12 it had filed for Chapter 11 protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court citing the economy, pressure from a union and the national credit crisis.

Bashas' president and COO Mike Proulx said in a statement that the company needs to close some underperforming stores along with stores in newer areas that didn't grow or develop.

Ten stores in metro Phoenix and one store each in Winslow, Tucson, Marana and Willcox are slated to close by Oct. 10.

The grocer closed 10 locations in July, shedding 1,000 jobs.

Bashas has retained $45 million in financing to fund ongoing operations. Bashas said it plans to continue operating all of its brands, including Food City, which caters to Hispanic shoppers, and high-end grocer AJ's Fine Foods.