Friedman's Freshmarkets is struggling to keep its shelves stocked as it tries to solve distribution issues.

A letter appearing to be from the Friedman's management team was made available in the stores, starting a little more than a month ago.

“We have been having severe supply problems with our primary supplier, MDI, and have been in constant discussions for months,” the notice reads, in part.

Travis Keene of Butler said he didn't notice the bulletin, which had been posted throughout the store to alert customers of the shortages. He said the timing seems strange.

“It seems odd,” he said. “It makes you wonder why.”

Anastasia Henderson and Brandy Wynns, both of Butler, walked out of the Butler Township location Wednesday without making a purchase. They said they didn't see the bulletin either, but they don't think anyone can be blamed for not wanting to shop where they can't find everything they need.

“Until they (Friedman's) find a new supplier, they're going to go through a bit of a rough patch,” Wynns said.

“If they're losing product off their shelves, then it's going to be hard to bring people in,” Henderson said.

After its former wholesaler — AWI — claimed bankruptcy, the supermarket contracted with Merchants Distributors of Hickory, N.C., in 2015 as its primary supplier, according to Carole Bitter, president and CEO of Friedman's Freshmarkets.

Bitter declined to speak about the specifics of the situation, citing the possibility that Friedman's could take legal action against the supplier, but said stores continue to stock meats, produce and other perishables. She said other vendors have stepped up.

“None of our perishables items are a problem,” she said. “It's very clear where the problem lies.”

Bitter and company have taken the next step by contacting attorneys and may take legal action, according to the bulletin.

All three locations, Butler, Chicora and Saxonburg, are lacking in dairy products, canned foods and nonfood items like detergents and trash bags.

Stan Kosciuszko, president of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce, said small towns like Chicora and Saxonburg will especially feel the burden of not having a fully-stocked grocery store.

“Friedman's has had a large impact on the Butler County community,” Kosciuszko said. “That's where families do their shopping.”

He said Friedman's has not only kept its business running for more than 100 years, but it has also been philanthropic throughout those years too.

“People shouldn't punish them for having problems with their supplier,” he said. “They need the support during this rough time.”

Josh Novotny, president of the Saxonburg Area Business Association, said he lives close to the Saxonburg store and at first was taken aback by the missing items.

“I think we're really fortunate,” he said. “It's maybe something we took for granted.”

Novotny said Saxonburg residents have other options, but nothing can replace a local business.

“But, it's just not as close,” he said. “When you run out of something, it's nice to just go and grab it.”

Novotny said he will continue to shop at Friedman's Freshmarkets for the items he knows it will have.

“I just want to support them,” he said. “They're a staple in the community.”

Bitter said she is overwhelmed by the support that she has seen, despite losing many customers in recent months.

“We really appreciate our loyal customers,” Bitter said. “It hasn't been easy.”

Bitter said the problems have not allowed Friedman's to run its business to its standards.

“We know how to operate,” she said. “We feel really bad about the way we've run our stores.”

She said she hopes customers will share the truth behind the empty shelves to others who have stopped visiting.

“We just ask our customers to bear with us,” Bitter said.