02/02/2025
Dear Mano’s Family,
First and foremost, I want to thank you all for being the most loyal and loving customers. It seems like the last 28 years flew by and God gave me the privilege to serve and feed you and your families while at the same time watching your families grow into amazing folks. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for letting me be part of your lives and this community.
I wanted to let you know that Mano’s will permanently close on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 8:30pm. I know this may come as a shock, but just know I am closing in the best interest of Florence. In October, a realtor contacted me about purchasing Mano’s, and after a lot of thought and prayer, I agreed to sell. I am excited for the new owners to start what I hope is the beginning of substantial growth for the city, local businesses, and citizens.
I know you may have a lot of questions, but at this time, this is the only information I can share out of respect for the buyers. Soon, the new owners will introduce themselves and share the details of their new business venture. I ask that you show the new owners the same loyalty and love you have shown me and my family over the years.
Mano’s has given me so much, but most importantly, so many beautiful memories. I will always cherish Bob Lilly and his family having dinner, being named Friend of the FFA in 2009, being awarded Citizen of the Year in 2010, and presented with a Florence High School Letterman jacket in 2023. But most importantly, I’ll remember all of you and your milestones that I got to be a part of - from watching you grow up, to getting married, starting a family, your kids having their own kids, and mourning the loss of your loved ones with you. Thank you.
I want to say thank you to my family and my staff for taking this ride with me. My mom has sacrificed everything to help me live this dream. Gracias ama por todo y te quiero mucho. Thank you to my brother, Oscar, sister in law, Norma, nieces, Stephanie and Valerie, and nephew Oscar Jr for your hard work and help throughout the years. I love you all so much.
I owe a big thank you to all the staff who have been employed at Mano’s throughout the years. I’d like to especially recognize Victoria Jordan, Angie Sullivan, Brandi Benoit, Chris Douglass, Melissa Bates, Viviana Peña, Kelly Sawyer, Kayla Weiermann, and Harlie Byrne for sticking by my side for more than 10 years! I couldn’t have done it without you!
Last but not least, thank you to my wife, Dianne, for sticking by my side since we met in 2018. I know this hasn’t been easy with me working 60+ hours per week and devoting my spare time to catering, fundraisers, weddings, and other special events. I can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds for us. I love you so much.
Please continue to support local businesses for Florence to continue to prosper and grow. We will tag them in the comments but please tag yourself if we fail to tag you. Come see us this week before we close. We will be open regular business hours. I’ll prepare and serve your usual one last time - with love.
Art❤️
