By Iris Yokoi, Contributing writer

Delius Restaurant, the Signal Hill eatery known for its exquisite food, impressive wine list and classy vibe, is closing at the end of June, its owners announced to its followers via email.

“To all our wonderful customers who have supported and enjoyed Delius, both on Cherry Ave and at the original location on Long Beach Blvd., I have some very sad news. I must announce the closing of Delius Restaurant,” married owners Louise and David Solzman said in the June 6 email.

“Our final day of operation is scheduled for Saturday, June 30, 2018. We are hopeful that you will come see us before then to say goodbye to a Long Beach/Signal Hill institution. We and our staff would certainly love to see all the familiar faces that we have enjoyed serving over the years.”

The announcement shocked local fans of the restaurant, who shared the news via social media, including Bixby Knolls residents who had been devotees since Delius first opened in the neighborhood in 1996. The restaurant moved to its Signal Hill location in 2007.

As executive chef, British-born Louise Solzman created impeccable cuisine that ranged from modern versions of traditional hearty fare to California dishes that showcased fresh local produce and California wines.

Delius has also hosted culinary and wine events such as the hugely popular annual day of wine tasting, featuring the fine wines and vintners chosen by Sommelier Dave Solzman for Delius. Guests not only got to taste the wines offered by some 100 wineries, they were able to purchase bottles at a reduced price at the event.

In the letter, the Solzmans said many reasons contributed to their decision to shut the doors, but the one issue that “proved to be insurmountable” was the payroll.

“The rising minimum wage is a critical issue and every one of our dedicated employees deserves to make a wage they can live on after putting in a hard day’s work each time they clock in. It is painful to know that we were unable to adapt, what has become an antiquated business model, to the quickly changing standards of today’s food service industry. Full service restaurants have been the cornerstone of the dining experience here in California and across the country for many decades but are quickly becoming less viable as a concept.”

“There is no way for us to adequately express our gratitude for the acceptance and support we have received over the almost 22 years of following our dream between both locations. On behalf of ourselves and the whole Delius Restaurant family, thank you and please come see us before we go.”

Dave Solzman is behind a new eatery, Table 301, downtown. The modern American bistro, located at Third Street and The Promenade, is part of the outdoor shopping center formerly named City Place.