(KATV) Little Rock - Despite efforts to keep
the Villa Italian Restaurant open, Thursday, October 4 will be its last day of
business.
According to restaurant
co-owner Ken Shivey, they are closing permanently. The Villa has been around 60
years and it is one of the longest running restaurants in Little Rock.
Competition with the big
chain restaurants is being blamed for struggling business.
A Channel Seven viewer says, "I think the
reason they have lost business is because people didn't know where they were.
When they moved from their old location I thought they closed then. I actually
just found them a couple of weeks ago. So sad they are closing. They had great
food!"
KATV Story on June 20:
Another local restaurant
in the capitol city is in jeopardy of closing. The Villa Italian Restaurant has been a Little Rock
tradition for more than 60 years, but business has been tough lately. The
owners say they need more support from the community.
Co-owner Ken Shivey says, "We're
asking people to get out and start supporting the independents. We still want
to be here. The price point is very good and the portions are ridiculous."
Shivey is hoping
customers will come by and give them a chance to compete with the big chain restaurants that have moved in. He
says many independent restaurants
are struggling in this town.
You may remember, Bruno's Little Italy
just closed its doors last year. Shivey says he wants The Villa to remain open and he's hoping
more people come eat with them.
