Popular local restaurant sold

One of North Bay's most historic restaurants, the White Owl Bistro on Lakeshore Drive, has been sold.

The small 40 seat family-run bistro also has a 1,500 square foot patio overlooking Lake Nipissing.

On a Facebook post, owners Laura and Rene Dubois say that after buying the business in 2008 they feel it's time for a change.

"Owning and working in a restaurant is crazy, emotional, hard and very rewarding," the pair writes."Over the last 15 years, we have come a long way, made many mistakes, and overcome hardships with determination, blood, sweat, and a lot of tears."

Their new plan is to make space on their farm to work from home to provide food and cooking skills, to cook on a more private intimate scale, and "to create a life for ourselves that would foster a better environment mentally and physically for our family."

"We have worked hard, have missed out on many important moments in life, and have always put the restaurant and our staff above all else. It's now time to turn a new page in our book for ourselves."

The couple has accepted an offer to sell the restaurant.

"We have never been so upset, so scared and so happy, the emotions have been a whirlwind."

The building in the future will no longer be the White Owl say the Dubois' in their post.

The couple plan to use March and April to celebrate with special dinners and giveaways.

The White Owl Bistro was originally built in 1934 as a confectionery store and small diner.  It was famous for serving local patrons tasty breakfast, sandwiches and the largest ice cream cones in the Bay. It was later sold then purchased by the Sunset Inn (located next door) in 2003 and renovated into the 40 seat restaurant it is today.