Gendler's will close by early February

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By Olivia Moran | Thursday, January 11, 2007 12:57 AM CST | () comments

Gendler’s Wine and Spirits will close in the next few weeks, ending decades of operation.

Owner Tom Getz said Wednesday that he is in the process of finding a buyer for the business, and that the plan is to keep the store open until the end of January or early February. Getz and his wife, Karen, purchased Gendler’s in 2001 from longtime owners Jerry and Rosalyn Zeffren and moved it from a location in Rock Island to 1509 River Drive, Moline, near John Deere Commons.

Getz said the business was lacking productive buy-in needed to support miscellaneous costs.

“We have had a lot of loyal customers and we want to thank them for the great deal of support throughout the years, but we just haven’t had enough recently,” he said.

Getz said he and many of his customers believe the Gendler’s franchise is worth something, which is why he is in the process of seeking a suitable buyer. Although there are no definite plans, he added that there have been a few prospects. Once a firm offer has been made and the finances are worked out, he said, there is a possibility someone may pick up what’s left.

Gendler’s, acknowledged as the oldest wine business in the Quad-City area, was opened in 1916 by Rosalyn Zeffren’s father, Max Gendler, a Russian immigrant.

Getz, 79, said a lengthy list of business and personal priorities contributed to the decision to shut Gendler’s doors. He is president of Moline Forge, a producer of steel forgings for farm, construction and railway industries, which he has been associated with for more than 50 years. Karen Getz is recovering from a 2004 automobile accident.

“I have so much on my plate right now, I don’t have the time to devote to the store,” he said.

“I think it’s time for me to move on and keep active with the things I’ve already committed to.”

Olivia Moran can be contacted at (563) 383-2323 or newsroom@qctimes.com.