Legendary Restaurant in Downtown Kitaning Closes | Local News

He brought word that Dizzy Lizzie’s restaurant, a staple restaurant and gathering place in Armstrong County for generations, was set to close on October 2nd.

Unfortunately, Klein added, the move is not the result of what can be understood as the future, well-earned retirement of founder and longtime owner Fred Bonello.

According to Klein, the pending closure of the business is a no-brainer for 81-year-old Bonello, a proud local entrepreneur.

“We understand the importance of building a community based on strong values ​​of family, friends and business. There is a business closing on Market Street these days. We’ve put a lot of effort into revitalizing that street, and losing a pillar of business like Dizzy Lizzie is… devastating.

“The business brings in so many people from the back town to meet, greet, eat and socialize with family, friends, name to name. Is there anything you can do?” I don’t know…Fred Bonello didn’t send me here…I’m just doing this with my heart.

“But I think it’s possible that the mayor or local government, along with some representatives, will meet with both parties and try to rectify the difference in not renewing the tenant’s lease. Fred closed at Fred Bonello’s choice. Instead, Fred closed the store at the landlord’s choice.”

In 1983, Bonello invested in the community by purchasing what was then called Clark’s Restaurant and turning it into a prestigious establishment, Klein said.

“Talking to Fred, he’s made a few different investments: $80,000 in the mid-1980s, $100,000 in 2004 on various appliance refurbishments, etc. But it’s It leaves a gaping hole in Market Street.

“Many people will need it, and you spent a lot of time regenerating it to make it beautiful, and I want people to come and see it.

“Additionally, 18 citizens have lost their jobs[due to restaurant closures]. Last thought, many people remember the TV show Cheers. It’s a place everyone knows. your name is here It would be a great pity to lose it.

“So some of you,[District Manager]Sam[Sarkowski]Mayor[Robert Williams][City Council Vice-Chairman Dr. Gerald Shuster]someone else, try to broker something. I don’t know if you can do it.

“I know it’s not the council’s job, but to me it should be. You’re a governing body trying to bring things into town other than seeing something in town go missing forever.” is.”

And time is of the essence, Klein said.

“Currently they are closing (October 2nd). The lease is until the end of the year. .

“But he’s gotten to a point in his life and career where it’s not feasible for him to re-establish,” Klein said.

“At different times there were problems in town, and different city council officials would go out and express their concerns, talk to people, and I thought it worked. I was mayor for four years. Think of it as something that should be at the top of your priority list.”

Mr. Bonello was reflecting when he arrived at the store at 300 Market Street on Tuesday morning.

“I never thought this would happen. I’ve been here 39 years. It’s hard to understand. It’s sad for the town. Think about it. What other restaurants are there in town?” He said. “We were doing well here and doing very good business.”

Bonello also affirmed that he would not consider opening restaurants in new locations, local or otherwise.

“Look at the buildings in town. We have a (former) Rite Aid (place)…it costs $100,000 to put it in (to equip it for function) as a restaurant.” he said.

Alex Karas, the owner of the property, was reached by phone on Tuesday and provided the following comments: Need more space. ”

AJ Panian is editor-in-chief of Leader Times, a sample newsgroup for the Indiana Gazette.