Chef Yolanda “Yoliâ€Â Fernandez and husband Rick Scott have sold Yoli’s Cafe, their award-winning breakfast and lunch eatery in downtown Chandler.
The cafe will close Saturday to begin renovations. The couple, who regularly closed in July for a monthlong sabbatical, made the announcement on Facebook today:
We have loved our little cafe for over 6 yrs and have achieved greatness by winning numerous awards for our food and service. Health, family, and living life to the fullest are on the agenda for Yoli and Rick. We will deeply miss our regular customers to whom we consider family.
Fernandez plans to continue cooking with personal chef events and small private caterings.
Yoli’s new owners are downtown Chandler entrepreneurs Peter and Sigrid Sciacca, probably best known for their longtime glassware store Di Sciacca Glass Gallery.
The business, which supplies glasseware to several major Valley restaurants, moved to online-only last year. The Sciaccas sold its Boston Street building to restaurateur Sasha Cosic, who opened VB Lounge in December.
The Sciaccas currently are in negotiations with a group to lease and operate Yoli’s.
The renovation work will include the addition of misters and heaters, re-flooring the interior, and painting.
Plans also include some minor changes to the menu, such as adding mimosas and Bloody Marys.
‘‘The tenant is looking to rehire some employees as well,’’ Peter Sciacca says. ‘‘We know this is one of Chandler’s favorite ‘hidden gems.’’’
Look for the re-launch of Yoli’s Cafe in late August or early September.
