Milano’s Italian restaurant remains open amid closing rumors as owner leaves country
Rumors of another Bellingham restaurant closing started to spread after Milano’s, an Italian restaurant and bar, announced an owner would be leaving the country in a Facebook post.
The Facebook post from Jan. 28 was written by co-owner Sam Hassan, who explained that after years of health complications he would be leaving the country in February.
“It’s slowly killing me,” Hassan wrote in the Facebook post. “So, beginning of February I’m leaving the country. After a regular doctor, five naturopaths, Chinese doctor, herbalist I give up. I’m moving to a warm climate, with great cheap doctors, where I can swim in the ocean every day. I’m moving first to Puerto Vallarta, then to Rio de Janeiro in May. I don’t have much hope to come back.”
Hassan posted the announcement on Milano’s and Fairhaven Village Tacos’ Facebook pages, as he was co-owner of both restaurants.
Milano’s and Fairhaven Village Tacos will continue to be run by Nancy Hassan, Sam’s wife, now that Sam is no longer a partner in the business.
“I definitely don’t want people thinking we’re closed or have gone away. I am very much in business and our doors are open,” Nancy Hassan wrote in an email to The Bellingham Herald.
“I’m worried about Milano’s. This is a hard time of the year for restaurants. So, please patronize it. Come for dinner, or dessert, a glass of wine, for tacos at the bus. ...” Sam Hassan wrote in the Facebook post.
Milano’s Italian restaurant is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday at 1210 11th St. in Bellingham.
The Fairhaven Village Tacos double-decker bus has reduced hours during the winter season, but is currently open from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday at at the corner of 11th & Harris Ave.
Nancy Hassan also promised some “changes and expansions” coming to Milano’s in the near future.
“Milano’s is year-round pleasant and fosters a unique and inviting atmosphere, house-made pasta, bread, sauces, pretty much as much as can be made in house is, and the rest we source from the best suppliers possible, many local as well. We have a lovely patio that we hope to open in the next few months, and indoors is fully air conditioned when the outdoors heat is a bit much,” Nancy Hassan wrote.
For those who love Milano’s food, Sam Hassan announced in his Facebook post that he plans to share his recipes.
“I’m working to find a publisher. Promising. But If I don’t, I’ll self-publish it, by starting a GoFundMe campaign. You can reserve the book by emailing raslanlenda@gmail.com,” Sam Hassan wrote.
