A sign reading, "Manzetti’s is now closed," remained on the Ironton restaurant this morning, although the business’s operator has not notified building owners.

Wednesday, August 09, 2000

A sign reading, "Manzetti’s is now closed," remained on the Ironton restaurant this morning, although the business’s operator has not notified building owners.

"It’s a terrible thing but without really talking to them, we don’t know," Ironton Mayor Bob Cleary said. "He could be closed or could be reorganizing and planning to reopen."

Chris Mowat of Mowat Enterprises Inc., who operates the eatery, has not contacted the city, Cleary said.

The city owns the building and leases it to the Greater Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, which sub-leases the space to Mowat.

The restaurant’s phone has been disconnected and Mowat’s home phone number in Flatwoods, Ky., is non-published.

Mowat did not contact the chamber, either, executive director Pat Clonch said.

However, the restaurant’s apparent closure comes while the operator is behind on rent, Mrs. Clonch said.

The building has not been maintained as set out in the lease agreement and the chamber had to pay insurance and taxes this year, she said.

"We had turned the situation over to an attorney but I have not talked to him yet," Mrs. Clonch said Tuesday.

Chamber officials have no specific plans for the building because the lease remains in effect until the situation is resolved, she said.

"We’ve had a lot of restaurants there, this is probably the fifth, and none have made it," Mrs. Clonch said. "If history has taught us anything, it’s taught us that it is not a prime restaurant location."

The "closed" sign at Manzetti’s was dated Monday and signed by the management.

Cleary said he could not speculate on what prompted management’s move.

"It’s a shame," he said. "I would be surprised the space lasts very long if it becomes available to rent."

Lou Pyles, Ironton Business Association co-president, called it a setback to city consumers and groups who had often met at the restaurant.

Few restaurants have large or reservable sections where civic clubs can meet or where businesspeople can set up meetings, Mrs. Pyles said.

"I hate losing another business in our town, especially a restaurant in the middle of our town used by so many people," she said. "It’s another business another empty spot in town."

Mrs. Pyles said the IBA would favor another restaurant in the location.

The chamber will likely review the building in the near future to determine what can be successfully located there, although the proximity of the railroad tracks makes it unsuitable for office space, Mrs. Clonch said.