Soprano on Jackson Street.
Photo: Supplied/Google Maps Street View
A Petone Italian restaurant is being sold after nearly 20 years, following an “incredibly tough” few years for the hospitality industry.
The owners of Soprano on Jackson Street, Latisha and Jonathan Dowling, posted on Facebook that the decision had not come lightly.
“As heartbreaking as it is to share this news, we wanted to share with you that we have made the choice to close/sell Soprano so we can spend more time with our families and step into a new chapter,” they said.
“Hospitality has given us so much in the last two decades, but the last few years – especially COVID – were incredibly tough. Like MANY in our industry, we poured everything we had into keeping the doors open, the lights on and our people cared for.”
Now was the right time to embark on something new, the couple said, adding that the restaurant was woven into their life story.
“It’s where we first met, worked side by side with the previous owner, fell in love, got married, and went on to have our three beautiful children.
“Today, our journey has come full circle, with our eldest now 14 and working the floor – something that fills us with more pride than words can say.”
The Dowlings thanked their customers who they said were part of their family.
The owners are now taking expressions of interest from prospective buyers.
Their last day of business, if not sold prior, will be 31 March.
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