Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
A Craigslist Asheville ad posted Thursday says that Vincenzo’s restaurant, a downtown institution for more than 20 years, is closing at the end of the year, but the restaurant owner says his eatery is alive and well and that he has no plans to close.
Dwight Butner, owner of Vincenzo’s Italian Ristorante and Bistro, said Thursday night that an ongoing dispute with his landlord, Chris Peterson, is a matter of public record. “There is litigation around this,” Butner said, though he declined to elaborate, citing the advice of his attorney.
Butner said that a long-term lease is in place, as amended this past spring. “Sometimes there are business disputes between landlords and tenants, but Chris and I have always worked things out,” Butner said. “I have no intentions of closing.”
Butner said he did not know the source of the Craigslist ad.
Here’s the ad:
Downtown Restaurant Location Available (asheville nc)
© craigslist – Map data © OpenStreetMap
10 North Market Street
After 20+ years, this fabulous downtown Asheville location is available for lease as of January 2015. After 20 successful years in business, Vincenzo’s Italian Ristorante and Bistro will be closing.
Includes: 6,000 square feet PLUS 18 parking spaces
Address: 10 North Market Street, Asheville NC
Located in the heart of downtown Asheville, on the only remaining historic brick street, overlooking the newly renovated Pack Square Park on the corner of College Street and North Market. This corner lot is also across the street from the soon to open Marriott Hotel and within two blocks of the Renaissance Hotel.
This is one of the few locations that offers it’s own parking spaces – 18 included. Brick, stand alone building.
Contact: Chris at 828-253-0322 for more information or showing
More info as I get it.
Personally I’d never eat there again after a very bad experience I had with them catering a large party for me.
Vincenzo’s is always a hit with out of town guests..it has great old world charm and great Italian food. Bistro entertainment is always enjoyable and is our preferred dining room! Butner runs a great establishment that is considered a local favorite! I’m sure location and charm is key to this restaurant’s success.
Thanks, Dwight!
Marriott has stated they are interested in the lot for additional parking.
Landlord probably wants to raise the rent, drive Vincenzo’s out, and then sell the property for a hotel.
I was on the LaZoom Holiday tour this afternoon, and the building was mentioned as being a “former morgue”…
the joke continued with “do not eat the red sauce if you know what I mean”…
The CT says that there is some sort of “dust up” between Butner and Chris Peterson.
This from the CT…
http://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2014/12/18/vincenzos-restaurant-locked-landlord-dispute/20608857/
Wait, wait. Let me guess. A hotel!