A longtime community staple goes on the block next week.
Italian restaurant Gala-T-Inn, 65108 Red Arrow Hwy., Hartford, is set to be sold at an auction next Tuesday, August 23. The restaurant, founded by the Galati family decades ago, was purchased 18 years ago by Ken Jones, who said it is time for a change.
“Staffing was part of it,” said Jones, whose business has often posted messages to its Facebook page in recent weeks notifying customers of the staffing shortages. “I’m also getting up there in years, and I’m just getting tired. It was time to see if I can’t get rid of it.”
In his 18 years as owner, Jones said he has stayed true to the original Galati family recipes, and hopes the new owner will do the same. He has even offered to stay for a while to help ease the transition to the new owners.
“I’m hoping the new buyer will keep the restaurant intact,” Jones said. “I’m sure there will be some changes for the better, but I would still like to see them maintain the recipes for the sausage and sauces and everything that is made from scratch.”
Jones also wanted the local patrons to know they are the reason he stayed as long as he did.
“The community has been a huge support for this business – just absolutely huge,” he said. “They’ve kept me here for 18 years.”
The auction for Gala-T-Inn is a sealed bid auction, with the last bids due by 5 p.m. Tuesday. According to the listing at Miedema’s Last Bid Real Estate, the restaurant “boasts annual revenue of well over $600,000 while open less than 30 hours per week” and despite being closed on Sundays.
“This 30 percent cash business has tremendous potential to increase sales with expanded hours and alcohol sales,” the listing said. “The restaurant is well maintained with newer roof, digital sign, large parking lot, and includes an additional storage building.”
For a private showing, contact Vic Kuiper at (616) 283-8516 or at vkuiper@1800lastbid.com.
By Ryan Yuenger
ryany@wsjm.com
