Attilio's Restaurant at Simsbury Farms to Close in October

When Attilio Ceneviva decided to leave the world of corporate kitchens, he knew he wanted to open a restaurant of his own. Now after eight years running Attilio's at Simsbury Farms, the restauranteur will close the doors on his first venture next month.

On September 5, Ceneviva announced on the Attilio's Facebook page that he will be closing the popular seasonal restaurant. The final day will be October 21, 2012.

"The last eight years have been a blessing and we will forever be grateful to those who have supported us," Ceneviva wrote.

Before opening Attilio's at Simsbury Farms, Ceneviva worked as an executive chef at the Wadsworth Atheneum and the Mark Twain House. Before that he was working hard in kitchens in Manhattan.

"I decided to take a chance and open this place," Ceneviva said.

Among the reasons for closing the restaurant is the extremely demanding schedule which has kept him away from his family. Ceneviva, 42, lives in Simsbury with his wife Catherine and their three children, but for a good portion of the year it's all about the restaurant.

"I'm here 7 days a week for 7 months straight," Ceneviva said.

The move is bittersweet for Ceneviva because the hard work he's put in at Attilio's has taught him a great deal about running a business.

"It's been a great experience to own your own restaurant," Ceneviva said. "And the people and the golfers here have been really good to me. They're all very disappointed but it's time to move on."

Ceneviva said it hasn't been easy to run a restaurant when leasing space from the town of Simsbury.

"I'm pretty tired of the politics of running a restaurant up here," Ceneviva said. "It's a lot of micro-managing from the town."

It took Ceneviva nearly four years to secure a license to sell beer and wine at the restaurant but it was a worthwile success for the business.

"All the golfers love the convenience of being able to enjoy beer and wine while they're here," Ceneviva said.

The entrepreneur was in the middle of negotiating a new contract with the town of Simsbury when he decided he couldn't agree with the new terms.

"I believe it will be tough for the next vendor to come in here," Ceneviva said.

What's next for Ceneviva?

"I'm keeping all my options open, but for right now I just want to spend more time with my family."