Mom and Pop Restaurant Closes After 16 Years

A longtime Naples mom-and-pop restaurant has closed—for the second time—according to this article from the Naples Daily News.

On Feb. 28, Richie’s Restaurant, a small, throwback eatery on Third Avenue North best known for its Reuben sandwiches, hamburgers and pancakes, closed its doors for good.

It was the second time Richard and Lynn Elias said goodbye and walked away from the local restaurant they opened in 1998.

This photo was taken from www.naplesnews.com

In early 2004, The Side Street Grill operated by a new owner, replaced Richie’s Open Kitchen Family Restaurant. But a year later, the Elias husband-and-wife team was back, and so was Richie’s.

But this time Richie Elias insists this is it.

They’ve handed over the keys to the restaurant to Bill Salley, who plans to feature a similar menu offering something for everyone at Bill’s Cafe when it next week on Monday.

“This time, a guy bought it and paid cash. I have nothing tied up in it anymore. That’s it,” Elias said. “This time I’m retired. I’ve got my Social Security and I’m out. I’m retired at 63 years old.”

“I loved that restaurant,” he added. “It was a really good spot for me. We made a lot of good friends. It’s like a family.”

And after working downtown at the 3rd Street Cafe for the last six years, Salley says he’s ready to venture out on his own.

Bill’s Cafe, 947 Third Ave. N., will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. It will be closed on Sunday.