The attorney for the Roman Delight restaurant said Thursday the owner is sad the business is closed.
"It's just a sad event," attorney Stephen T. Carpenito said.
He said Vito Valenti was too upset to talk about the closure of the eatery at the Fairlane Village mall.
"Be sure that we tried everything short of this and ultimately, there were no other choices," Carpenito said.
The business closed for good Monday, "because the economy didn't support the restaurant anymore," he said.
"The mall was no longer a valid option for the restaurant business. It was not an easy decision," Carpenito said.
Valenti was the one who made the decision, Carpenito said.
"Nobody wants to have a business go under. It's not good for anybody," Carpenito said.
A sign was not displayed outside the restaurant because the lease prohibits such announcements, Carpenito said, adding he was going to inform the public in a letter to the editor in The Republican-Herald before the news broke.
The restaurant is very thankful to be able to serve the community for 30 plus years, he said.
"We're just glad that we had an opportunity to be a member of the community for so long," Carpenito said.
He did not say how the employees found out about the closure.
The mall's management company, Levin Management Inc., was aware the restaurant did not want to renew its lease, which he said was due to expire in September.
Carpenito said he also called Levin Management and told someone about the closure Monday. He did not get a return call until Thursday.
Those who have gift cards will have them refunded, he said, adding Valenti has already made arrangements. To receive the refund, send requests to Stephen T. Carpenito, P.O. Box 570, Pottsville, PA 17901.