COVINGTON, Ky. — Their marriage is going 46 years and counting. Frank and Debbie Bonfilio have culinary degrees and over time, opened up Old Town Cafe, which sits in Covington. The joint has been open since June of 1988.

Now, "For Sale" signs hang outside the front door.

“With all the changes going on here in Covington that we’ve seen from day one until now, the area is really starting to pick up – more buyers and more restaurants, apartments, condos – we just thought now may be a good time to retire," Frank said.

Over the years they've met many people. They've seen a lot, including the coronavirus pandemic, which shut them down for a bit.

The couple was able to reopen, but realized people weren't stopping in fresh from the office. These people were working from home and staying in more.

“We weren’t getting the clientele, so Debbie and I would just come down and do pickups only," Frank said.

Even though the pandemic is still ongoing, many faces did make a return to eat inside the restaurant – some now curious about the next adventure in this couple's life.

Frank said they're still open. They haven't closed yet, but there are buyers interested. The couple is definitely grateful for the people they've met over the years.

“You kind of become family with a small business like this. You get to know people, their families, who they are and where they work and their families," Debbie said.

Hanging on the wall above their work space is a painted picture of the couple. It's a story Frank said gets told anytime someone asks. The chance to go and listen to the story is still there, and something you'll want to hear in person. Until the place sells, they said it's just a go with the flow mentality.

“You know, if it doesn’t sell for another year then we’re here for another year," Frank said.

Debbie said once the day does come, they'll remain busy and active, hanging with grandchildren. She also enjoys spending time volunteering at the animal shelter.