Cafe closes after 30-year run

VERMILION — On Thursday, the owner of Martino's International Cafe announced the Vermilion-based restaurant would close, ending a three-decade run in business. "It's with overwhelming difficulty and heartbreak that I must announce that we had to close our doors," owner Jim Trinter posted on the restaurant's Facebook page, noting the closure recently went into effect but wasn't publicly known until Thursday. "We had a great run for the last 30 years," the post read. "Thanks to all of you who supported us and blessed us with your company and warm friendships. You all made us look forward to come to work every day." Martino's described itself as a "full-service, family-style restaurant with full bar serving food and spirits from all over the world." "I would be remiss not to praise and thank all of the most wonderful staff that had given their all to make the best foods and provide five-star service since 1996," the post read. "I never wanted to be the best restaurant in Vermilion: I wanted to be the best restaurant anywhere. Every one of them took great pride in what they did to try and meet this expectation." The post continued: "I can speak for them as well as me that all of you became an extremely important part of our lives, and we will all deeply miss sharing our days with you. I am so thankful and blessed to everyone for this great run." Dozens of people and accounts commented on Trinter's post to offer their well-wishes. This would include a post from the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce. Here's an excerpt: Jim, thank you for the incredible impact Martino's has had on our community for the past 30 years. Your commitment to excellence, your pride in every dish served and the way you and your staff treated guests like family set a standard that truly elevated Vermilion's dining scene. Martino's was more than a restaurant: It was a gathering place where friendships were built, celebrations were shared, and memories were made. Your passion for wanting to be "the best restaurant anywhere" showed in everything you did, and our community is better because of it. We are deeply grateful for the years you invested in Vermilion and for the example you set as a small business owner. Please extend our appreciation to your entire team. You will all be greatly missed, but the legacy you leave behind will always be part of our town's story.