LUZERNE —Perugino’s Restaurant, a staple in the borough for over 70 years, will continue to serve a full Italian-American menu.

A post on the restaurant’s Facebook page Thursday read, “We would like to assure everyone that the restaurant will NOT be closing and will remain open for the foreseeable future, and we hope all of you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!”

Kingston Township’s Jim Reino, a regular customer who, at one time, tended bar there for 20 years, said he believes the post was in response to rumors the beloved eatery would close.

“I asked them straight out if they were closing,” said Reino. “They said absolutely not.”

Reino credited Andrea Reilly and her daughter, Jessica, with continuing to run the business after the death of Andrea’s husband, Ron, about five years ago. Andrea’s father, the late Andy Perugino, also ran the restaurant for many years.

“When Ron died, the family wasn’t actively involved in the day-to-day activities of the business,” said Reino. “But they moved forward, learning a lot, hiring a new chef, continuing to have the support of the community.”

The site had been listed for sale at $695,000 as a 3200 square foot commercial property in the Wyoming Valley West School District. Included in the offering were two adjacent buildings containing four apartments, according to Reino.

Reino believes the establishment’s real estate listing will not be renewed when it expires.

“It’s a fully-functional, often-crowded, thriving business,” he said. “It will be packed from now through the holidays.”

Area residents seem to agree the restaurant is a place to have fun, make memories and enjoy Italian-American food.

Swoyersville Borough Mayor Chris Concert had opportunity to visit the restaurant for the first time a few weeks ago under somewhat unique circumstances — following a wedding he had performed.

When asked about her post-wedding celebration, newlywed Lillian Olejnik Gulak said, “Well, it was fantastic. From the appetizers to the main course, we can’t say enough good things about Perugino’s. We are looking forward to enjoying future anniversaries there.”

Owner Andrea Reilly and listing agent Judy Rice, Lewith Freeman, both declined comment.

By Geri Gibbons

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Reach Geri Gibbons at 570-991-6117 or on Twitter @TLGGibbons

Reach Geri Gibbons at 570-991-6117 or on Twitter @TLGGibbons