One of the most iconic and long-standing businesses in Detroit’s Eastern Market is closing.
On Russell Street, the Rocky Peanut Co., commonly known as Rocky’s, announced on Instagram that it will be closing its doors.
“It is with a heavy heart that, after many years, decades, and family generations, Rocky’s will be closing,” the post read.
No closing date was given, but the post listed a “timeline by October 2025.”
The owners thanked the community and customers who “have truly become part of our family,” the owners wrote.
“Rocky’s has stood in Eastern Market for decades because of your love, loyalty, and countless shared memories,” the post read.
According to the post, the owners are selling the building and many of its contents, such as “fixtures, racks, carts, shelving,” stating that everything is for sale, and everything must go.
Reached via an Instagram message, owner Patricia Russo, daughter of founder Rocky Russo, referred to being a part of “Eastern Market’s heartbeat” and called the decision to close “bittersweet” and not “an easy goodbye.”
“This decision comes after much reflection on the future of the business and our family’s next chapter,” Russo said.She also said the decision to close was hers and was the “right time to step back,” to enjoy her retirement and visit her kids who live out of state. On Russell Street for decades, the Eastern Market staple is known for its wide selection of nuts, especially peanuts, (shelled and unshelled) and dried fruit sold packaged or by the pound. The spacious store sells everything from spices, grains and flours to bulk candy and specialty items.
In an emailed statement to the Free Press, Katy Trudeau, president and CEO, Eastern Market Partnership, said Rocky’s will be missed.
“Rocky’s Peanut Company has been an Eastern Market anchor for decades, and we are so sorry to see it close. It’s been an amazing run, and they will be greatly missed by all of us who’ve come to rely on them and appreciate what they’ve brought to the community. We are committed to supporting them in this transition as they search for a new building owner – who we look forward to welcoming to the district,” Trudeau wrote.
Rocky’s, according to the post, is asking people to share their favorite memories or photos of the place “as we say goodbye to this Detroit landmark.”
Comments on the post included childhood memories of going to Rocky’s, buying candy and nuts, and expressions of sadness over the place closing.
“While this chapter is coming to a close, the spirit of Rocky’s will live on in the lives of everyone who walked through our door,” Russo said. “Rocky’s stood as a symbol of family and tradition for so many years – thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of our story.”
According to a phone message on Friday, Rocky Peanut Co. at 2489 Russell St., in Detroit’s Eastern Market, is open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
This is story has been updated to include new information.
Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Eastern Market’s beloved Rocky Peanut Co. is closing its doors
Reporting by Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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