BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- For a final time, orders up.
"That can't be possible. It can't be possible. One of the finest restaurants, really, truly one of the finest restaurants in town," said Patricia Curry-Wilson, a patron.
A local favorite, Tranquil Bar and Bistro, is closing its doors for good.
"I'm really going to miss it very badly and a lot of people are going to miss it very badly," said Curry-Wilson.
"It's a bitter sweet kind of moment. We contributed something really important to Binghamton. We had great employees and great customers through the years. We're going to miss all of that, all of those folks and being a part of the community in this way, but it's also time," said Sean Massey, Tranquil Bar and Bistro co-owner.
During its nine-year run, the restaurant faced financial challenges, and also had difficulties competing with the city's growth of new restaurants.
"We're on the edge of downtown. We're not in the center of everything, so that's always been a bit of a challenge, but we think we made it work. We now have a large number of options in Binghamton. There are really great places to go eat and hang out and that meant competition. Competition, sometimes it's hard to compete," said Massey.
Curry-Wilson said, "I'm sorry that the competition has gotten so strong. If you can't make a buck, why stay?"
It's a decision many patrons understand, and the owners say they are grateful for positive feedback from customers.
"It's been really heartwarming. People are really going to miss us. They were very fond of us as one of the choices they had in town," said Massey.
While many are sad to see the restaurant go, the owners say the closure is a reminder of the local business options available to residents and the importance of community support.
"You have so many wonderful options and places to eat and businesses to support. Make sure you go and you frequent these businesses. Be thankful for what you have here and support them and tell them that you're really glad they're here," said Massey.