A popular Greenwich grocery store closed up shop on Sunday for good.

News 12 Connecticut’s Tom Krosnowski spoke with customers and founder Mike Geller about the impact Mike’s Organic has left on the community.

“Today is the culmination of 15 years. I’m trying to look at this as a celebration today, as much as I can,” said Geller.

Both the Greenwich and Stamford locations of Mike’s Organic closed Sunday. Geller reflected on how running the store was a dream come true for him.

“I’ve built my life around food. The dream started in my parents’ house in backcountry Greenwich in 2009,” said Geller.

After making deliveries, Geller opened a storefront, which soon became a favorite of one of Connecticut’s most famous shoppers – Martha Stewart.

“I was very fortunate to get to know Martha. She’s been so supportive of us, the business and me personally,” said Geller.

He said the reason behind the sudden closing is because of rising food costs.

“We fought through a lot of adversity. Food costs are as high as they’ve been in over 30 years. It’s just been timing,” said Geller. “It was the right people, the right place, but not the exact right time.”

Hundreds of people came out to give the store one big Greenwich goodbye on its last day. Customers said the local products and attention to detail made Mike’s Organic a staple above the rest.

“You knew that if you had a question, you could always ask someone…it was usually Mike,” said Ann Donohue. “You never get this at other places around [here.]”

“The secret ingredient of Mike’s Organic was Mike. He’s the magic,” said Andres Sandoval. “It’s tough to see a beautiful corner like this that’s going to change its purpose, but that’s life. He’s made an improvement to this community, to this piece of the road.”

Geller’s regulars reminisced about their favorite go-to products.

“Mike's Organic Crumble, our favorite flavor was blueberry, there was nothing like it,” said Sandoval.

As he closed up shop one last time, Geller said he hopes that the spirit of the store lives on.

“Without those people dedicating their lives to growing great food, we will have the same thing in every supermarket in America and lose the essence of what makes the state and the country great,” said Geller.

Geller said he’s going to take some time off to be with his family, but he’ll be back with a new venture before long.

“It’s been an unbelievable ride and I’m going to miss you all,” said Geller.