The Kewanna Diner has officially closed its doors for good. The business closure was announced Thursday, March 5, via social media.
“Thank you to those that have supported us in our time here. We are closing, effective immediately. With the rising utility prices, I cannot afford to keep this place running. It's been a fun ride, and I'm going to miss a lot of you. Over the next few days we will be moving things out of the building,“ the Facebook post said.
Owner Mark Davis had recently spoke with WROI GIANT fm News about his struggles with rising utility bills that left him nearly $6,000 in the hole over the span of just a few months. Davis said his December bill alone had been $1,024 in December.
“Our NIPSCO bill at the restaurant didn't just double, it has quadrupled from what I was quoted under a budget plan when I first opened the business in 2025. I didn't know what to expect the budget wasn't something I could afford at the time. I never dreamed it would be this high, however,“ Davis said.
While owning his own restaurant had a been Davis's dream job, he says he is switching careers, already accepting a position as an insurance roofing salesman. Davis said he still has a lot of things he will be selling for cheap as he transitions, including food, carry out boxes, a couple of refrigerators, freezers and other miscellaneous kitchen equipment.
“I'm very sorry it's come to this, I really wanted this place to stay and thrive for the folks here,“ Davis said.
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