A family-run Italian restaurant in Keswick is to close next month.
Casa Bella operates from a number of properties from 22-26 Station Street and has been owned by Andrew Stockwell for 22 years.
He estimates that over those two decades more than a million diners have eaten there.
Andrew is retiring from running the business after reaching 65 in June and because he wanted to slow down.
Also influencing his decision is that leases on some of the properties run out next year.
His son Matthew will continue running the ice cream making side of the business with production of gelato being moved to Three Hills at Torpenhow.
Andrew took over the restaurant after running the Hazelwood guest house on Chestnut Hill. He had little hospitality experience but believed he could make it pay.
And with help from his wife, Sarah, daughter, Rebecca, stepdaughter Lilly, son Matthew, and hard working members of staff, Andrew has developed a highly successful business.
But, despite Andrew’s best efforts, nobody seems willing to take the business on.
“For some time I have been trying to find ways to retire by selling the business on and I have had a lot of local interest over the last year and have been in detailed negotiations with people who operate businesses in the town but unfortunately, for whatever reason, these talks have not come to fruition.”
Andrew said he was devastated to be closing the business and added: “I have had a lot of people who have worked for me over the years and I have made some great friends from my colleagues and also from the tens of thousands of customers, many of whom come on a regular basis, and have supported the business over the years.
“It seems very wrong to be pulling the doors closed, locking up and walking away. I would like to say a huge thank-you to colleagues past and present who have supported the business over the years. I have had some wonderful memories but feel I need to slow down and retire. Sadly I can’t find anyone to take it on.
“Under my stewardship the business is going to be no more but if anyone is able to take it on, then I wish them the best. But at the moment nobody seems able to do that.”
The business will close on Sunday November 9.
