NEWTON FALLS, Ohio - The building that houses Vinny's Catering and Banquet Center in Newton Falls is being sold via an online auction. 

According to theBrokerList, an online commercial real estate resource, the starting bid for the building is $350,000. 

During a phone conversation with 21 News reporter Leslie Huff, Vinny's owner, Blaze Tishko, mentioned that he voluntarily placed the building on the auction list. 

He mentioned that this decision was partly due to health reasons. Although he did not explicitly state financial issues as a factor, he did say that things at the location are "not working out."

The roughly 15,000 square-foot building was purchased by Tishko in 2023 from the owner of Roby Lee's.

Both businesses had become staples in the community during their time in operation. 

Newton Falls councilman Robert Burke told 21 News that he is sad to see the business placed on the auction block. 

"Vinny's was an amazing Italian restaurant, cocktail place to go and enjoy a drink after work or long weekends, also for any kind of celebrations. So, it's sad that now it's up for auction," Burke said.

The mayor, David Henson, and councilman Burke said they are hoping whoever takes over will keep the spirit of Roby Lee's and Vinny's alive. They would like to have another restaurant in the building.

 "I'm not a big fan of repurposing it to like apartments or something like that. We have plenty of apartments in Newton Falls, so I'd like to see it become a stable business within the community," Burke said. 
 
The mayor said approximately 35 workers could be out of a job soon. 
 
 "It's part of the makeup of the community. I mean, if you've got a decent restaurant along with the Holiday Inn that we have, restaurants, [and] car dealerships. For a small town, we've got pretty much anything that a small town could have, and more," Henson told 21 News. 

According to theBrokerList, Tishko had recently updated the commercial property. 

The auction will end on September 3. 

Tishko also stated that any upcoming events will continue to be honored.