Beloved Alva Country Diner finds new owners, stays open for community

ALVA, Fla. (WINK)—The Alva Country Diner has found new owners after its previous owner announced she would have to close the restaurant if she couldn't find a buyer before moving back to Switzerland.

A month ago, owner Nadine Stoll posted to Facebook seeking someone to take over the diner. Interest started pouring in immediately.

"I would say, probably about 85 to 90 inquiries," Stoll said.

One couple stood out among the responses. Michelle and Chris Lussier had already been looking for an opportunity in Alva, a community they'd come to love.

"We moved out here about four years ago, and we want to make this.. it's like our where we're from small town up in Massachusetts, western Massachusetts, and we wanted to make it our home," Michelle Lussier said.

The Lussiers said they had even thought about reaching out to the diner before seeing the post online.

"Maybe a week before the story broke, I had thought about calling and just saying, hey, are you guys interested in selling?" Michelle Lussier said.

After meeting Stoll, the couple knew this was the right fit. Stoll felt the same way about them.

"I just liked Chris and Michelle. They know exactly what they're doing. They're pros. They immediately came in here and were great with my staff, and it's just.. it felt right," Stoll said.

For regulars, the news comes as a relief. Steven Ellyson, a regular customer, expressed his happiness about the sale.

"It's just really would suck if the Alva lost one of only two places to eat out here, I'm really happy that she sold," Ellyson said.

The Lussiers plan to keep the heart of the diner intact while adding a few new ideas of their own.

"We're gonna keep a lot of the same things, because obviously it's, you know, it's doing something right. Everybody loves it here," Michelle Lussier said.

From new menu options to baked goods and even ice cream, the new owners hope to build on what's already made the diner a staple in Alva. Stoll said leaving won't be easy, but she's confident the diner is in good hands.

"Change is hard, but change is good. Give them a chance, they're gonna do great and support your community," Stoll said.

The new owners are still working out a timeline for the official transition. They say there may be a brief closure for some kitchen renovations, with their goal being to keep that small-town diner feel alive for the Alva community.