Community mourns closure of Komensky’s Market, a century-old local favorite

DURYEA, LUZERNE CO. — After more than a century serving generations of local families, Komensky’s Market has announced it will close its doors, ending a 105-year legacy rooted in tradition, community, and family.

In a social media post earlier this week, the owners of the beloved market confirmed the decision, calling it a difficult but necessary step.

“All good things must come to an end yes, it is true — we have decided to close the store,” the post read. “This was not an easy decision, but at this time it is the best decision for us. We thank you for all of your support, especially after my brother passed away in 2019, and we appreciate each and every one of you.”

The announcement prompted an outpouring of support and nostalgia from loyal customers who have long relied on Komensky’s for its homemade kielbasi and traditional offerings.

Among those paying tribute was Leonard’s Kielbasi Market, a fellow family-run business and longtime friendly competitor. In a touching post, Leonard’s shared its respect and empathy for Komensky’s owners and their decision to close.

“We bid farewell and best wishes to our fellow kielbasi lovers at Komensky’s in Duryea,” the post read. “Owning and operating a successful small, family-owned business is no easy task. Every mom-and-pop shop that closes feels like losing a little part of ourselves, and losing one like Komensky’s that has served the community since 1920 hurts just a little bit more.”

Leonard’s went on to praise Komensky’s enduring impact on local families and traditions, noting that while the physical store may close, the market’s legacy will live on.

“While we may have been competitors, we’ve shared the same values — a deep commitment to quality, tradition, and family. From all of us here at Leonard’s Kielbasi Market, we wish everyone at Komensky’s Market nothing but the very best in the times ahead,” the post concluded.

Komensky’s Market has been a cornerstone of Duryea’s culinary and cultural identity for more than a century, its name synonymous with authentic Polish kielbasi and old-world craftsmanship. Though the store’s closure marks the end of an era, many in the community agree — Komensky’s will be remembered as more than a business, but as a family tradition woven into the heart of the region.