Kent Bistro for sale 'just to see what will happen,' owner says

Diane Smith, Record-Courier
·2 min read
The Bistro on Main is for sale, but the building is expected to remain a restaurant once a new owner is found, the property's listing agent said.
The Bistro on Main is for sale, but the building is expected to remain a restaurant once a new owner is found, the property's listing agent said.

The Bistro on Main in Kent and the building that houses it are for sale, but the restaurant remains open and the site is expected to remain a restaurant, the listing agent for the property said.

Thomas Wojtala of  Home Sentry Realty & Investment, listing agent for the building at 1313 W. Main St. in Kent, said the building and the restaurant are for sale. The restaurant remains in operation, and the plan is for the business to remain a restaurant once the new owner takes over.

Cathy and Dave Tribuzzo, who own the restaurant, acknowledged that the "for sale" sign has "set social media abuzz." But Dave Tribuzzo said he isn't trying to get out of the restaurant business, and the eatery isn't in trouble. He said he puts the business up for sale every five years or so, "just to see what will happen."

"It helps to have a realtor who's a friend of the family and is willing to play along," he said "Everything is for sale, at the right price."

The building and restaurant are for sale for $1.3 million. If a buyer is found, Tribuzzo said, he'll be $1.3 million richer minus commissions. If not he'll keep the Bistro's doors open.

Tribuzzo said business at The Bistro is fine, and the eatery is not struggling with labor issues. Private events are scheduled into 2023,

Unless a buyer appears, the Bistro's sale listing will remain open for six months, which is the standard contract Realtor's offer.

The property was home to Missimi's restaurant for more than 50 years until owners Anthony and Elizabeth Missimi retired and sold their business to Aaron Ruggles nearly 20 years ago. The business has remained The Bistro on Main ever since.

"Great opportunity for a person looking to own an already established and successful restaurant business," the listing states. "There is much potential for growing and expanding this business."

The restaurant seats 68 in its main dining area, plus 58 in its lounge and 22 in its bar. A patio, which was added in 2016, seats 26.

There is an apartment available to rent above the restaurant, which was once home to the Missimi family, and tenants are responsible for their own utilities, the listing states.

Wojtala said a buyer who purchases the restaurant would have the opportunity to expand the business.

"It's an excellent opportunity for someone looking to purchase a restaurant," he said.

Reporter Diane Smith, who interviewed the Missimi family when they retired, can be reached at 330-298-1139 or dsmith@recordpub.com. If you have a news tip, reach out to Smith or email editor@recordpub.com.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Kent Bistro for sale, but remains open for business