Beloved Alva Country Diner could close by July without buyer

ALVA, Fla. (WINK)—A beloved diner that's been part of the community for more than three decades is facing an uncertain future.

The owner of the Alva Country Diner says she's moving back to Switzerland this fall, and if someone doesn't buy the business soon, the restaurant could close for good by the end of July. 

For 32 years, the Alva Country Diner has been a staple for locals—a place where customers become family and memories are made. Now, its future is uncertain.

"I really hope that this place finds a new owner and can keep it going in some shape or form," said Nadine Stoll, owner of the Alva Country Diner. "And if these walls could talk, there's so many stories in here."

Stoll posted to Facebook this week, announcing she's moving back home to Switzerland. She says she's been trying to sell the business for the last year, hoping someone would keep the diner alive for her employees and the community.

"I just thought, you know what? I just need to let my employees know what's going on. I need to let the community know what's going on, and that's what I did," Stoll said. "It was hard. It was emotional."

If no sale happens soon, she says the doors will close at the end of July. The potential closure has left customers devastated.

"I'd be heartbroken," said Nicholas Almenas, a customer. "This is Alva at its finest. This is history."

Longtime employee James Owens has worked at the diner for nearly two decades. He says the diner has been there for life's biggest moments and its hardest ones too.

"Over the years I've seen kids being born, and then they'll come in looking for their first job," Owens said. "So, I mean, it's sad to kind of see it, you know, on the verge of falling apart."

Now, the community is hoping someone will step in to save a place they say can't be replaced.

"It would mean so much, so much," Owens said. "It's saving a piece of my life."

Stoll says since making that Facebook post, there's already been new interest from potential buyers. For now, the diner remains open, still serving customers and holding onto hope that its story isn't over yet.