For nine years, it was the site of parties, receptions and many a special dinner.

But the abrupt closure of Olde Mill Steakhouse has left a void in Fayette's dining and business community and caused many a question in the community.

Fred Delawalla, who leased the restaurant from property owner Neil Davis, said business was good at the restaurant, but a deal could not be reached for him to buy the property.

"We had a really good run there, and I'd like to find another location in Fayette," he said.

The more than 30 employees had an opportunity to transfer to Delawalla's other restaurants in the Atlanta region, including a Malone's restaurant on Virginia Avenue in Atlanta.

Delawalla is scouting locations in Fayetteville, Peachtree City and Tyrone and hopes to reopen a restaurant called Stockyard Steakhouse sometime soon.

Kay Davis, who is the wife of property owner Neil Davis, said her husband already is showing the property to potential buyers.

"It's already set up to be used as a restaurant, and the building is actually big enough that it could include some small retail shops," Davis said.

Davis would love the building to be used again as a restaurant, because of its gorgeous site on Bennett's Mill. She added that Delawalla was a good client, but that the two sides just reached an impasse in their negotiations.

"Time just ran out," she said.