Robertson Banking Company announced yesterday its intention to close its Food World Branch effective next Saturday, May 16.

“We are confident we can service our customers through our downtown and Highway 80 locations,” said bank President and CEO Al Garrett. “We opened our Food World location in 1987 and are disappointed by the circumstances that have led us to close this location.”

Garrett said due to the change in operations in the Food World building, Robertson Banking Company would not be able to operate in a manner that would benefit its customers.

The Demopolis Food World was listed as one of 25 Bruno’s properties expected to close in the next 30 to 60 days per a $46-million bid by Southern Family Markets which was approved Monday.

To accommodate its customers and to provide optimal service, Robertson Banking Company plans to extend the hours of operations at their Westside branch, located at 1406 Highway 80 West.

The change will include expanding their drive-thru hours until 6 p.m. Monday thru Friday.

The Food World location employs a staff of eight full-and part-time workers. Robertson Banking Company will attempt to incorporate as many of these employees as possible into existing staff positions.

Robertson Banking Company will continue to serve its customers at their Westside, Downtown, Linden, Thomaston and Tuscaloosa locations.