The BlueStreak

Cafe Luna closing

Tuesday, February 24, 2009 By Sean Dolan

It is widely-known that the United States is currently faced with what some analysts call its most desperate economic state since the Great Depression of the 1930’s. For the student community at the Charter School of Wilmington, however, the hardships of the times have taken a casualty that hits close to home. Café Luna, an independent, privately owned business located just down the street from Charter, is set to close down on February 25, 2009. “I’m disappointed to see Café Luna close down. It was good, cheap pizza,” said senior Ben Kirby. The small pizza shop was served as a popular lunch venue for students on half-days and on weekends for sports teams. When asked what led to the decision to close shop permanently, owner Charlie Bono said, “The ‘why’ is the economy – it got me.” The closing serves as yet another indication that the economic troubles plaguing the nation are being felt on the local level as well. The closing comes amid a torrent of housing failures, job losses, and financial instability throughout communities. The effects of the failing economy have particularly affected the restaurant industry, with the price of flour rising from nine dollars a sack to thirty-three dollars. An event such as this only seems to add insult to injury, especially to the wide range of students who served as regular customers there. “They were mad cool to Charter kids, and had good food too,” said sophomore Yashwant Chunduru. “I always loved going to get some pizza after school. It was some delicious pizza, too!” said junior Ken Manley. “I really am sad to see it go,” said paraprofessional Ms. Rose Melendez. “Café Luna’s been part of the community for a long time.” The restaurant has been in its current location for the past nine years, but Bono and his family have been in the business for twenty-two years. “The economy had a very good doing for my demise, but then again, so many things, so many things,” he said. Some of these things may have included such challenges as rising gas prices and slow business after six o’clock. Bono has a personal connection to the school that few students may be aware of: he served as a girls’ soccer coach for four and a half years. Likewise, some students have felt personal connection to the closing despite the regular business the student body provided. “Their pizza is so good!” said junior Dan Jackoway. “I wish I had eaten there more and helped keep them in business.” Other students, meanwhile, feel no connection whatsoever to the closing. “I didn’t do it,” said senior Cosimo Faella. Regardless of the loss, store owner Charlie Bono seems to be handling the closing very well, riding the economy and taking its twists and turns in stride. “I’m still happy no matter what. The economy is going downhill and there is no help,” Bono said. “Life no matter what is a domino effect. Once the first part goes down, you’ve got to watch, or the whole thing goes down.”