The Alva Diner isn’t going to close after all.
The three-plus-decade Alva staple was in danger of shutting down at the end of July if current owner Nadine Stoll couldn’t find a buyer.
But not only did she find a buyer, but she believes she found the perfect ones.
“I am very relieved,” said Stoll, who has owned the landmark restaurant off State Road 80 for the last eight years. “I am extremely happy I found this couple, or they found me, because I love them.”
That diner-saving couple is Michelle and Chris Lussier, who own the Edison Lunch Box in downtown Fort Myers.
“I have so much confidence in them,” Stoll said. “They’ve been in and out of the diner. My staff knows them. Everyone is happy. It’s so beautiful to see.”
On Friday, May 8, Stoll announced on Facebook that she would be moving back to Switzerland in September to be closer to family.
A buyer needed to be found quickly for the diner to stay open.
“I was a little overwhelmed,” Stoll said. “I got 85 inquiries. There was almost too much interest.”
But the Lussiers stood out.
“I think we first walked through the Saturday after the Facebook post,” Stoll said. “Then we had a serious talk that Wednesday. Pretty soon it was clear to me that I wanted someone I can trust. Michelle and Chris have been in the industry so long. They’re so passionate and so excited. I’m excited for them. My employees are so happy.”
And don’t worry, Stoll said. Any changes will be good ones.
“They’re working on the menu as we speak,” she said. “They’re keeping all the good things on the menu. They will add more stuff to make it more interesting for people who come every day, twice a day. They’ll spice it up.”
Renovations are on the way, too.
“The building has been neglected for 20 years,” Stoll said. “So much needs to be done. I think they will have to close for a bit just to do the renovations, but I’m not quite sure.”
That building dates back to the 1950s, when it was a gas station.
It was a pizza joint and Bernie’s Hideaway before Steve Sexton stepped in and opened the Alva Diner in 1994.
The landmark no-frills restaurant off State Road 80 — tucked among a tangle of oak and palm trees behind its trademark coffee cup sign — has been serving comfort food and comfort to locals and visitors ever since.
And it will continue to do so in the future, thanks to the Lussiers, who, Stoll said, will keep the Edison Lunch Box inside the Lee County Justice Center open, too.
“I’ve known for sure about (the sale and staying open), but couldn’t say anything,” Stoll said. “We hadn’t signed the contract yet. Now we signed yesterday (on June 3), so…
“I’m so happy.”
So are we, Nadine.
Alva Country Diner, 21220 Palm Beach Blvd., Alva; (239) 728-3366; alvacountrydiner.com or follow on Facebook
Robyn George is a food and dining reporter for The News-Press. Connect at rhgeorge@fortmyer.gannett.com
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This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Alva Diner, on cusp of closing, to remain open after new owners found
Reporting by Robyn George, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press
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By Robyn George, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News | USA TODAY Network
