Kevin Kirkpatrick / Daily Register
Portage Family Restaurant, at 1152 E. Wisconsin St., closed abruptly Saturday due to a decrease in business. The restaurant is currently for sale, but could reopen again in December.

The Portage Family Restaurant abruptly closed Saturday because of a recent decrease in business but could be open again by the end of the year.

The restaurant, located at the corner of Erie and East Wisconsin streets, had been open for five years.

"Business was slowing down the last two months and (the manager) was having trouble paying me," said Qemal Alimi, the property owner.

Alimi would not say who was managing the restaurant, but he said the closure was his decision, not the manager's.

He put up the restaurant for sale Monday. Two people inquired about the property Tuesday, Alimi said.

He said he plans to have the property on the market for a month.

"If no one is interested, I will open (it) again next month," Alimi said.

Alimi said the restaurant has had two managers since it opened in 2004. Portage Family Restaurant was open seven days a week and served breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The property was previously a Country Kitchen restaurant.

Alimi said he has turned many vacant Country Kitchens across the state into new family restaurants.

"I like their setup," he said.

In addition to the Portage Family Restaurant property, Alimi said he owns 12 other restaurants in Wisconsin, including Four Star Family Restaurant in Baraboo.

If Alimi reopens the restaurant, he said he plans to renovate the kitchen and remodel the dining area. The restaurant's name also will change.

kkirkpatrick@capitalnewspapers.com

745-3509