Family-owned Hunter’s Restaurant has been in Downtown DeLand longer than many DeLandites have lived here. And now the restaurant is moving to the fourth location of its 72-year history.

After 40 years at 202 N. Woodland Blvd., the breakfast and lunch mainstay is moving to 111 E. Rich Ave., where Bellini’s Italian Restaurant and Deli long had its home.

Hunter’s owner Michael Marlow said the restaurant will close March 15, but he hopes to reopen in a few weeks. He also said only the building will change.

“It’s the exact same menu, same food, just a new location,” Marlow told The Beacon. “I am not sure of an exact opening date, but we are reopening. It’s just a matter of getting everything moved over there.”

Hunter’s Restaurant opened in 1949 and has operated at three Downtown DeLand locations, including 210 N. Woodland Blvd., where the restaurant operated from 1949 to 1955, and the corner of Rich Avenue and Woodland Boulevard, where Hunters stayed from 1955 to 1981, offering buffet-style service. After a fire at that location, 202 N. Woodland Blvd. has been the restaurant’s home ever since.

With Hunter’s lease up for renewal and rent increasing beyond their reach, Marlow said, it was time for a change. He hopes patrons will come see them when they reopen at their new location.

“Thank you, everyone, for 40 years of patronage at our old location,” Marlow said. “Hopefully, we’ll have 40 years at the new location.”