The Enquirer

The new owner of the Celestial said he will keep the Mount Adams restaurant open and keep its fine-dining emphasis.

Chanaka De Lanerolle, who also owns the nearby Mount Adams Fish House and Teak restaurants, closed the deal Friday with Joseph Rippe, who has operated the Celestial since 1978. Terms were not disclosed.

De Lanerolle said he is considering some eventual changes at the Celestial. "I might change the menu after the holiday season," he said. "This deal happened extremely fast. I've got several things in my head that I want to do." While business at the Celestial has dropped off in the past several years, it still is profitable and has a good reputation, De Lanerolle said.

Sheet metal firm has record month

CECO Environmental Corp., parent of Oakley sheet-metal fabricator Kirk & Blum, said new orders in August set a single-month record of $15.5 million. The company said higher orders to all of its five divisions contributed. CECO president Richard Blum said September orders are off to a good start. CECO shares closed Friday at $2.05, up 15 cents.