Dominoes rival shares heartbreaking message to customers as it makes ‘bittersweet’ decision to close its doors after 50 years

A LOVED pizzeria is closing its doors in just weeks after more than 50 years in business.

Donte’s Restaurant and Pizzeria in Brook Park, Ohio, just 20 minutes south of Cleveland, will close its doors for the final time in mid-July.

The restaurant opened in 1972 after being purchased by Tony and Betty Casedonte.

Over the years, the restaurant has remained a family business, with the couple’s four children and five grandchildren keeping the lights on.

The restaurant is well known for its pizza, pasta and other Italian dishes, rivaling popular area chains like Domino’s and Little Caesar’s.

In 2022, the Brook Park City Council honored the restaurant as it celebrated its 50th anniversary.

The City Council presented the Casedonte family and Donte staff with a resolution to commend the company for its impact on the community.

“Donte’s Restaurant and Pizza Shop has been a full-service family restaurant since 1972, and Tony and Betty are survived by four children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild,” Council President Mike Vecchio said. ‘era. , according to Cleveland.com.

“The tradition of home cooking continues today at Donte, and it remains a place where family and friends can gather and enjoy great food. »

Beth Angeloff and Mark Casedonte announced the closure on Facebook earlier this month.

They revealed the decision to close was “bittersweet” as they have enjoyed serving the community for decades.

“To our beloved customers/family/friends, we wanted to be the first to share the official news with you,” the announcement read.

“After 52 years in business, we have made the bittersweet decision to close our doors. It has been a pleasure to serve this community for over 50 years and we have been honored to carry on our parents’ legacy.

It continues: “We’ve felt everyone’s love for this next chapter and hope to see you all in the coming weeks as we say goodbye to Donte.”

The post revealed that the last day of normal operations is scheduled for July 17.

The following weekend, the restaurant will host a “Last Call” celebration.

The celebration will be a ticketed event, with tickets costing $70.

Tickets include access to a buffet, soft drinks, dessert, gift/souvenir and two alcoholic beverage tickets for those 21 and over.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to a local community food pantry and outreach program.

The restaurant sells tickets in person and over the phone.

Hundreds of fans and customers flooded the comments section of the restaurant’s Facebook page, sharing their memories of dining at Donte’s over the years.

“Thanks guys for all the great memories,” one customer wrote.

“I’ve always loved pizza! The long days of snow operations at Hopkins went a little faster if the crew knew Donte’s was coming for lunch! »

On the one hand, it is more expensive to operate restaurants due to higher wages and food costs. On the other hand, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to pass on these higher operating expenses to customers whose menu prices continue to rise.

Mitchell Olsenprofessor at the University of Notre Dame

“I love you guys! Great family and we will miss Donte!” said another.

“Sad for us! Congratulations! Wishing you all the best!” chimed in a third.

The restaurant did not reveal the exact reason for its closure next month.

However, it joins dozens of other businesses closing their doors across the country.

Mitchell Olsen, a marketing professor specializing in retail at the University of Notre Dame, told the US Sun that these closures are partly due to inflation.

“On one hand, it’s more expensive to operate restaurants because of higher wages and food costs,” Olsen said.

“On the other hand, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to pass on these higher operating expenses to customers whose menu prices continue to rise.”

As a result, Olsen said there is a trend where diners are eating out less.

“Consumers are starting to push back against the high cost of dining out by thinking twice about that appetizer or going to a restaurant first,” he explained.