TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) It was hard for Donna DiFiore to put into words how she felt Friday afternoon.
"The closest is bittersweet," DiFiore said. "But I guess I always like to say it's another day on Fourth Avenue and it's going be a great day."
DiFiore's restaurant Delectables on Fourth Avenue closed on Friday. DiFiore started working at Delectables in 1976 and purchased the restaurant in 1982.
"I love the energy, I love the people, I love my team and all my teams for 41 years," DiFiore said. "And even though this was my choice it's still really difficult."
DiFiore says months ago she was approached by a man who wanted to by the building and she decided to sell.
Before the dinner rush Friday night there were some tears, hugs and stories shared between close friends and family. That included Anne Schmitt who was the graphic designer for Delectables for decades creating countless art cards, logos, and signs.
"I started out painting prices on the windows across the street for Steve before he hired Donna as a waitress," Schmitt said.
Schmitt also met her wife at the restaurant. For Schmitt and many others Delectables has been more than just a place to eat.
"It's a love. This place is a family," Schmitt said. "You know all the crews from all the different years. It's just amazing."
DiFiore is starting a catering and event business in Tucson using the Delectables name. She says she already has a number of events coming up in July.
"We have a lot to be proud of," Schmitt said. "I feel remarkably successful. My manager my team, we are going out on a super high so I'm excited that we're doing it that way."
