I was startled to see the news on Facebook that Bella Luna has closed on Market Square. Often there are signs that a business is struggling, signals that something’s not going well. Noticeable changes in food or staffing. Large swaths of empty tables. Rumors usually filter through downtown. Not so in this situation.
On Monday, the following email went out to the artists whose work lined the walls, “We are sorry to say that we are closing Bella Luna. If at all possible, please pick up your artwork by 6:30 this evening. If you cannot make this time frame, you’ll need to contact Dewhirt Properties to schedule another time. We have thoroughly enjoyed your contribution to the aesthetic of our restaurant.
Thanks,
Christin Love
co-owner
Bella Luna Restaurant
Employees picked up their final check on Monday. When my friend, whose photography was on the walls, spoke to Donna. She said business was “up and down.” I know it must be hard to make a business like this work and it has to be excruciating to see your dream die. I admire people who give it their all and I feel for the ones who don’t find the success they sought.
The restaurant opened July 22, 2011 and I had lunch there that day with a friend. I enjoyed the food then and have many times since. I met both Donna Parang and Christin Love on that first day and I was very impressed with their background and passion. They had plans to line the walls with great art and to host jazz musicians – and they did both very nicely in the coming months and years.
Urban Woman and I have enjoyed many fine meals on the patio. It was a great place for people watching. One of my favorite nights there was timed perfectly to get an outdoor table and order just as the Jazz on the Square started for the night. The restaurant sat just the right distance from the stage to allow for both enjoyment of the music and good conversation without raising our voices.
I’ve also enjoyed the late night music with Vance Thompson, Taylor Coker, Jamel Mitchell, Will Boyd, Keith Brown and others. Another special memory was the Donald Brown CD release party last spring. A who’s who of Knoxville Jazz musicians were present and took turns playing in the band with Donald. My friend Daniel Taylor took a fun turn at the drums. Lance Owens was in attendance and even took a turn on the dance floor with Cynthia Markert and others. It was a magical Sunday afternoon.
It was a sad day when Abode closed in the same space over two years ago. Bella Luna came along and filled the spot nicely and, hopefully, the same will be true in this situation. Still, this feels like a blow to Market Square and a significant loss for downtown. Obviously, there is great momentum going forward, but this stings a bit.