Beloved Peoria Heights Grocery Clerk Finds New Job, New Outlook

Armando Flores, a fixture at the now-closed Save A Lot, lands at historic Trefzger's Bakery across the street.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Armando Flores, a beloved grocery clerk who worked at the now-closed Save A Lot in Peoria Heights for over 19 years, has found a new job at the nearby Trefzger's Bakery. Flores became a fixture in the community, known for his genuine personality, thoughtful conversations, and unique habit of spinning the checkout conveyor belt dividers. The closure of Save A Lot was difficult for Flores, as it felt like losing his late father all over again. But Flores has now embraced the 'irony' of working across the street from the old store, where he'll have a front-row view of its demolition to make way for a new development.

Why it matters

Flores' story highlights the deep connection that can form between a community and its local businesses, especially when those businesses are staffed by warm and engaging personalities like Flores. His transition to a new job at the historic Trefzger's Bakery shows how the closure of a beloved neighborhood institution can lead to unexpected new opportunities, while also serving as a bittersweet reminder of the changes a community faces.

The details

Armando Flores worked at the Save A Lot grocery store in Peoria Heights for over 19 years, becoming a beloved figure known for his genuine personality, thoughtful conversations, and unique habit of spinning the checkout conveyor belt dividers. When the Save A Lot store closed in March 2026, Flores was initially anxious about the future, but soon found a new job at the nearby Trefzger's Bakery. Trefzger's owners were familiar with Flores and his popularity in the community, and they actively recruited him to join their team. In his new role, Flores will have a front-row view of the demolition of the old Save A Lot store, which he sees as a bittersweet 'irony' given that the store was brought to him by his late father.

  • Armando Flores worked at Save A Lot for over 19 years.
  • The Save A Lot store in Peoria Heights closed on March 20, 2026.
  • Flores started his new job at Trefzger's Bakery on March 22, 2026.

The players

Armando Flores

A beloved grocery clerk who worked at the Save A Lot store in Peoria Heights for over 19 years, known for his genuine personality, thoughtful conversations, and unique habit of spinning the checkout conveyor belt dividers.

Jeff Huebner

The owner of Trefzger's Bakery, who hired Flores to work at the bakery after the Save A Lot store closed.

Martha Huebner

Jeff Huebner's wife, who spoke with Flores and was impressed by his work ethic and positive attitude.

Seth Boyer

A popular Peoria food content creator who featured Flores in a TikTok video during the final days of the Save A Lot store.

Flores' father

A railroad foreman in East Peoria who raised Flores and his siblings after the death of their mother, and who encouraged Flores to apply for the job at Save A Lot.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When people started telling me and really making it known that I am not just appreciated, but one customer even went to tell me that I was 'loved' in the community, they used that exact word that I was a beloved figure.”

— Armando Flores, Former Save A Lot Clerk

“When we heard that they were closing we went 'you know what, that man is coming to work for us.' He has such a great work ethic and he's just super personable and everybody loves him. So, we asked him if he wanted a job at the bakery and he jumped at the chance.”

— Jeff Huebner, Owner, Trefzger's Bakery

“You know, you just treat people nice and people will treat you nice back.”

— Armando Flores, Former Save A Lot Clerk

What’s next

Flores will continue his new role at Trefzger's Bakery, where he will have a front-row view of the demolition of the old Save A Lot store in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Armando Flores' story shows how a genuine, customer-focused approach can make a lasting impact on a community, even in the face of a beloved local business closing. His transition to a new job at Trefzger's Bakery highlights the resilience and adaptability of workers who become fixtures in their neighborhoods.