Diamante is closing?

My son, Billy, and I went by Diamante's tonite since we got going earlier than we had been. As soon as we arrived, someone announced that Diamante is closing. I think the man said by August 4. I am quite sad. I finally got my schedule worked where I can get out early enough to eat there and...and...Mike, say it isn't so.

[Robin Garr]

My son, Billy, and I went by Diamante's tonite since we got going earlier than we had been. As soon as we arrived, someone announced that Diamante is closing. I think the man said by August 4. I am quite sad. I finally got my schedule worked where I can get out early enough to eat there and...and...Mike, say it isn't so.

Say it ain't so, Mike!

Say it ain't so! This is sad news. It is one of my favorite spots. Mike is a great guy and has become one of my good friends. Hope everything works out for you Mike. If theres anything I can do, let me know.

Any update on this? We love this little place. The food and the people are great, and we sure will be sad to see them go. We're going to be sure to visit a few times before Aug. 4. Anyone know where Mike or anyone is going?

Barb,sorry I have not replied sooner...but with back issues and such I have not been able to.
Sorry to say that it is true that we are going to close Diamante.We could probably continue indefinately, but it has become an expensive hobby and eventually I need to get paid. I knot that this is a harsh reality but I am not getting any younger and the problems with my back will need to be addressed eventually.
It has been a good run and I feel that we have been successful in many aspects.
I truly appreciate all of my loyal regulars and the staff that has supported me throughout. I will miss Diamante tremendously.
As to my future plans, I am currently focusing on getting healthy and have not thought alot about what is next.
Thanks all. Michael Driskell

Barb,sorry I have not replied sooner...but with back issues and such I have not been able to.
Sorry to say that it is true that we are going to close Diamante.We could probably continue indefinately, but it has become an expensive hobby and eventually I need to get paid. I knot that this is a harsh reality but I am not getting any younger and the problems with my back will need to be addressed eventually.
It has been a good run and I feel that we have been successful in many aspects.
I truly appreciate all of my loyal regulars and the staff that has supported me throughout. I will miss Diamante tremendously.
As to my future plans, I am currently focusing on getting healthy and have not thought alot about what is next.
Thanks all. Michael Driskell

Sorry to hear about it Mike. Good luck.

[Robin Garr]

I am currently focusing on getting healthy

That's an important thing to focus on, Mike, and best wishes to you. Diamante will be missed, though.

Mike - I am so sorry to hear of your health issues, and will miss Diamante greatly. I would like to make it out there at least one more time - was the date of 8/4 accurate?

Cant say it enough people, Please frequent Locally owned restaurants. We have a rough time competing with the chains, and dont have the deep pockets to do as much advertising as they do, so it is very important to remember us when dinning out. I know my restaurant Ferd Grisanti's is one of those but there are tons of us out there. Without your support Louisville original restaurants will start disappearing from your menu...

Cant say it enough people, Please frequent Locally owned restaurants. We have a rough time competing with the chains, and dont have the deep pockets to do as much advertising as they do, so it is very important to remember us when dinning out. I know my restaurant Ferd Grisanti's is one of those but there are tons of us out there. Without your support Louisville original restaurants will start disappearing from your menu...

Well stated!

I agree with you whole heartedly, Rod. But I believe I speak for many from this board when I say that most of us are LOOKING to frequent quality local restaurants, and find chains at the very bottom of our list. I personally try to promote local restaurants to people I know who might normally venture to chains first.

I've considered many times of giving a place of my own, but the restaurant business is extremely tough, it just is. And all I have to go on is a dream, so that would make my chances for success even lower. I so admire all that anyone in a restaurant does, but particularly the owners and managers of local establishments. Thank you all for doing what you do!