A new sign hangs in the storefront window at 1023 West University Ave., confirming that Bella Donna’s has officially closed.
The Italian restaurant announced the closing in a Facebook post Tuesday.
It thanked customers for their support and for “an amazing roller coaster ride” in the two years the business has been open.
The post stated they had “exhausted” the location and are “looking for a new home.”
Owner Jodi Fuelner said she wants to try to reopen the restaurant elsewhere.
“We would like to reopen,” she wrote in a Facebook message. “And it’s all about location, location, location! We have come this far and anything can happen!”
Some residents are disappointed that Bella Donna’s is closed.
Marcus Ball, a UF computer science junior, said he doesn’t know why Bella Donna’s closed, but he thinks the location may have contributed to it.
“If I were to speculate, I’d guess they just didn’t receive enough customers to maintain that location,” he said. “I think just not enough people knew about them. I really hope they reopen someplace soon.”
Christelle Genis, a 20-year-old UF junior, said she used to frequently eat at Bella Donna’s on Sundays.
“The food really is the best Italian I’ve had,” she said. “It was nice to go to a mom-and-pop place where you knew you supported people who really cared about your business.”
A version of this story ran on page 1 on 10/17/2013 under the headline "Bella Donna’s closes kitchen, hopes to reopen in a new location"
