Describing the sale of their ‘baby’ as being tinged with some sadness Bob and Judi Keown said they will continue to live in Singleton and operate their other business interests including ‘The Stables’ and Muswellbrook’s Noah’s Mid City Motor Inn.

“We didn’t have the motel on the market but were approached to sell the business and decided it was time to semi-retire again,” said Mr Keown.

The buyers already operate motels in Brisbane and Sydney and told The Argus they were looking to expand their operations and elected this time to purchase a motel closer to their home base.

They saw Singleton as being an ideal location only two hours away from home and liked the location of the motel in a newly revitalised main street.

Before they bought the popular motel and restaurant in 2001 Mr Keown had been involved in a toy importation business.

“I always thought you had to have a motel on a highway to be successful so when I looked at the Mid City I wasn’t so sure about buying the business,” he said.

“But a motel broker said no business comes from the centre of town and he was right. This has been a great business to operate.”

The Keowns especially wanted to thank their loyal staff many of whom have been with them for a number of years. “I call it our baby as we have completely renovated the motel and restaurant – so its a bit sad to say goodbye,” said Mrs Keown.

For the operators of the popular Mamas Kitchen, Christa Robat and Tracey Burzynski, is business as usual as they welcome the new motel owners.

The pair took over the lease of the restaurant in April this year and plan to be around for many years.

Before they opened, the restaurant was renovated, and continues to serve dinner and lunch six days a week (closed Sunday) and breakfast Tuesday to Friday.