AUBURN – An independent restaurant has enough trouble staying competitive when new chain eateries open locally without the added burden of rumors.

But that’s what Roland Nadeau’s been facing for the past few months as patrons continue to come into Rolandeau’s Restaurant and say they hear it’s closing.

“We’re not closing,” Nadeau said emphatically.

The restaurant has been for sale since January, but Nadeau said he doesn’t think that’s what’s fueling the rumor.

Rather, he said he believes it was started some months ago by two disgruntled former employees. The rumor had died down, but then resurfaced about a month ago.

“People are saying we’re closing at the end of the year, but it’s just not true,” he said.

The Washington Street institution has been serving American and French fare for 36 years. Nadeau declined to discuss the sale of the property, which is listed at $750,000.

He did say he’s grateful that he has tremendously loyal customers who haven’t been lured to the new chain eateries that have opened recently. But he does see a dip in the number of occasional customers who come to Rolandeau’s; he assumes they are trying other options.

“There’s just so many people who go out to eat, and we’re all trying for a piece of that pie,” he said. “All the independents are having a hard time.”

Rolandeau’s continues to serve lunch and dinner, and host banquets.

– Carol Coultas