One of Domino's main rivals, Donte's Restaurant, is about to close its doors forever after more than 50 years of providing pizza and memories. The restaurant has been a beloved location for many generations, tucked away in Brook Park, Ohio, just a short drive from Cleveland.
Bitter Sweet Closure for Donte's Restaurant
Last week, the family owners of Donte's Restaurant, a local favorite since 1972, announced on Facebook that they would soon be closing the doors of their beloved establishment.
With a tone of regret, they shared that the restaurant would cease operations on Wednesday, July 17, according to a report by WKYC.
Further details provided by FOX8 reveal the family's mixed emotions about the decision. They noted that following more than five decades in business, it was time to conclude the journey begun by their parents.
The decision marks the end of an era for the family and the Brook Park community they have served for 52 years.
Expressing gratitude, the owners said they cherished every moment of serving the community for over fifty years.
As they prepared to turn the page, they thanked everyone for their support and invited the community to join them in the final weeks to bid farewell to Donte's.
Donte's Restaurant has been a true family operation, sustained through the years by the dedication of the founding couple, their four children, and five grandchildren.
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Customers Reflect on Decades of Memories at Donte's
Donte's Restaurant in Brook Park, Ohio, is renowned for its delicious pizza, pasta, and other Italian dishes, competing with chains like Domino and Little Caesar's, as The U.S. Sun reported.
In 2022, the Brook Park City Council recognized Donte's for its 50th anniversary, presenting a resolution to the Casedonte family for their impact on the community.
Council President Mike Vecchio noted that Donte's has been a family-operated establishment since 1972, started by Tony and Betty Casedonte, now maintained by their descendants.
He emphasized that the tradition of homemade cooking and the restaurant's role as a gathering place for enjoying great food continue.
The imminent closure of Donte's has sparked a flood of affection on Facebook, with customers sharing memories and expressing sadness.
Despite this community support, Donte's will shut its doors next month, part of a larger trend of business closures nationwide, attributed partly to rising operational costs and difficulty in managing increased prices, according to Mitchell Olsen, a marketing professor specializing in retail at the University of Notre Dame.
Meanwhile, the owners invite the community to bid farewell to a beloved local landmark in the final weeks.
According to a recent Facebook post, Donte's Restaurant will host a ticketed "Last Call" celebration on July 19 and 20.
The U.S. Sun revealed that Donte's Restaurant will host a ticketed farewell event priced at $70, offering a buffet, drinks, desserts, a souvenir, and two alcoholic beverage tickets for adults. Proceeds will support a local food pantry. Tickets are available for purchase in person or by phone.
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