Managers of a few local food stores have found themselves suddenly scrambling to find new suppliers to keep their shelves stocked.

The announcement that the debt-plagued Associated Grocers of Maine will be closed caught most small and independent grocers off guard.

“It happened so rapidly,” said Roger Royer of Bourque’s Market on Sabattus Street in Lewiston. “We’re looking for an alternative supplier.”

Associated Grocers, based in Gardiner, will continue delivering goods until Tuesday. After that, they’re out of business after 57 years.

The business was known to be in debt for at least three years, according to court documents. But few people thought it would perish.

“They probably thought they could weather the storm until summer,” said Michael Roy, owner of Roy’s Foodland on Broad Street in Auburn.

Like others, Roy and his father, Regis, had no idea Associated Grocers was going out of business until a billing issue raised the matter. For the Roy family, it was sad news.

“I didn’t sleep a wink last night and neither did my father,” Roy said. “This is something we never thought would happen. You couldn’t ask for a better company. They were always super people; very nice people.”

At Tilton’s Market in Buckfield, a store clerk said the owner of the store was well aware of Associated Grocers’ situation. But she did not know if another supplier had yet been lined up.

There are other vendors, of course. Many of them are hoping to pick up new clients now that nearly 300 Maine stores are without a supplier.

“Several have already called,” Roy said. “There’s always someone looking to take up the slack. We have options.”

On Friday, representatives from the Maine Department of Labor Rapid Response Team will host an informational session for the more than 100 workers affected by the closure.

Most store owners, managers and clerks spoke glumly about the matter on Thursday, but none suggested they won’t be able to survive without the supplier.

Roy predicted most stores, including his own, would get through the crisis.

“We’re going to be right here,” he said. “As long as I’m willing to work hard, I’ll always have a job.”

Among the area stores within the Associated Grocers of Maine network

Lewiston:

Rooper’s, two stores.

Bourque’s Market, two stores.

Auburn:

Roy’s Foodland

Rooper’s

Lisbon:

Kitty Korner Store

Sabattus:

Sabattus Market

Minot:

Village Trading Post

Mechanic Falls:

United Supermarket