Longtime Vernon Restaurant Owner Retiring, Selling Business
VERNON, CT — A longtime culinary presence in Vernon is on the verge of being sold.
Dave Roberts, who has been associated with Anthony’s restaurant for more than four decades, including a quarter-century as its owner, said Wednesday that he is headed to retirement and has put the business up for sale.
Anthony’s is located at 216 Hartford Turnpike.
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“It’s just time,” Roberts told Patch Wednesday.
He announced the move in a passionate letter to the community on social media:
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“To my valued customers and friends, When I started this journey back in 1980, I could have never imagined I’d still be here some 44 years later.
“It’s been quite a ride. Plenty of highs and a few lows, and thru it all I’d like to think I did a decent job of providing you with the service, quality and experience you deserve.
“There comes a time in everyone’s life that you have to take stock of where you are and where you want to be. For me that time is now. After a great deal of thought and soul searching, I’ve made the decision to retire and sell the restaurant.
“There are a myriad of reasons which brought me to this point. Many of you know I’ve been talking about this for quite some time. Ultimately for me, it comes down to health, peace of mind and quality of life. The restaurant industry is a tough business and it’s not getting any easier. With all of your support and patronage we managed to survive a couple of recessions, freak snow storms, hurricanes and COVID. Just last year we celebrated our 50th year in business. Reaching that milestone was something I never could have imagined all those years ago, but with the help of a great staff and loyal customers we made it happen.”
Roberts said he already has a perspective buyer.
“For now, it’s time for me to step aside and let someone else carry on the tradition. I’ve reached a tentative agreement to sell the restaurant. As things progress and the time frame becomes more concrete, I will provide more details. So for now eat, drink, and enjoy life. Most of all, please just stop in and say hello. From the bottom of my heart I cannot thank you all enough. Without you, none of this would have been possible.”
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