Restaurant Primo 116 in downtown Suffolk closes

SUFFOLK

After five years in business, award-winning downtown restaurant Primo 116 Bistro Italiano closed its doors over the weekend.

The owners say they have sold the business and a new restaurant will open soon at the 116 W. Washington St. location.

"It was time for us to move on," said Margaret Gellas, who operated the restaurant with her husband, Stephen, since 2006.

"We're not closing because our business has failed or anything like that," she said. "We just decided to sell the business and lease the space and do something else."

The restaurant was a frequent winner of the Platinum Plate Award, presented annually by Hampton Roads Magazine.

The couple previously owned Pisces, an upscale seafood restaurant around the corner on North Main Street. They sold that business in 2010. The Plaid Turnip restaurant now operates there.

Gellas said she and her husband plan to open another restaurant eventually.

"We just don't know what or when yet," she said. "Right now we're just looking forward to taking some time off and relaxing."

In a message posted on the restaurant's Facebook page, the Gellases thanked their "loyal and steadfast patrons, many of whom we call friends. It has been a real pleasure serving you over the last five years in our 'home.' "

Jeff Sheler, 757-222-5563, jeff.sheler@pilotonline.com