Owner says after a decade in business that rising rent, want of more time with family on east coast

"Surprised," "shocked," "sad" and "why."

Those were just some of the reactions of Lake Minnetonka residents late Sunday after news arrived that Biella, a popular upscale restaurant on Water Street in downtown Excelsior, was closing its doors.

Patch was first to report back in March that Biella would be relocating about a block toward Lake Minnetonka, to the former Ming Wok location. The announcement was made during an Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce lunch and was greeted with

But just after 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Biella's owner posted the following message on Facebook:

Last Day at Biella June 24th

To the Best Customers Ever,

After months of working to try to move Biella to the corner I have decided to close after a great TEN year run. As most of you know our current landlord decided to double our rent which forced us to move. With frustration with Hennepin County and other regulations along with the increasing costs to move and delays put on me my decision was made to not go through with the move. Also, as most of you know I am very close to my parents and family which are all out East. As my parents get older as well as nieces and nephews I would like to spend more time with them! They mean so much to me even more than any business! I am in the process of helping my folks build their retirement dream home and I feel it is my obligation to get that done after all they have done for me!

You folks are the best customers an owner and staff could ever ask for! I cannot begin to thank you as I appreciate so much the regulars, the frequent customers and those who have only been in once or twice. We appreciate you all so very much and thank you for your great support!

Please come by by for a last dinner or two as I would love to see everyone before we close. If you have told a friend about Biella invite them too!

We will miss you all very much and look forward to seeing you before we go!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Mark,
Proprietor

Reported:  Lake Minnetonka Patch