Customers were disappointed to learn that a meeting of Market Basket's board of directors, scheduled for 10 p.m. Sunday, had been cancelled.

Some employees have called the store at 10 Main Street in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, to say that they would not be back until ousted CEO Arthur T. Demoulas was back.

In recent days, there has been a message of hope and optimism from employees, customers, and even the governors of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, that the former executive's final offer to buy the company would bring an end to the drama.

"Doesn't make me feel good. I was hopeful that there would be some resolution soon," said Anthony Clayton of Lowell.

"I have a daughter to take care of, so I don't have enough money to be spending at Stop & Shop or Hannaford's," said Karolina Arce of Lowell.