Owners of Wareham's Vel's Restaurant on Why They Decided to Sell

WAREHAM (WBSM) — Last week, we told you that one of Wareham’s oldest and most beloved eateries, Vel’s Family Restaurant and Lounge, had been put up for sale for $1.3 million.

As the story was shared around social media, many longtime Vel’s patrons wondered what would become of one of their favorite restaurants.

They were concerned that the restaurant would close down (it’s not, it’s remaining open) and that new owners would come in and change everything they love about Vel’s.

Today, we heard from the owners and it sounds like they are determined to find the right people to continue the Vel’s legacy.

Judy Bump, whose husband Carl owns Vel’s along with his two brothers Steve and Brian, gave us some insight into the decision to sell.

“In short, our restaurant is for sale because my husband and I, as well as my brothers-in-law, need to retire soon,” she said. “Being in our seventies, things get a little harder every day.”

“That being said, it could take some time for a sale because we would like to find
the right new owners,” Bump said.

It certainly sounds as if the decision to retire and sell Vel’s was an emotional one for the Bump family.

“We are so grateful to the people of Wareham who have helped us through so much in the last 51 years,” Bump said. “And our customers, how could we ever thank them enough? We have met so many amazing people and are truly blessed to have been part of so many lives.”

She said the most important thanks, though, go to the Vel’s staff – and they're hoping any buyer would want to keep them on.

“Our staff has been our family for 51 years. They are the backbone of our restaurant. We never could have survived without them. They are truly the best,” Bump said.

“I feel honored to have worked so long with such amazing people and I know in my heart any new owners would be lucky to have them,” she said.

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