As much as I'm saddened to lose this wonderful restaurant, I have to say I can certainly understand why. Running one restaurant is tough work, running two is a truly daunting task! They do a truly outstanding job, and run their business in the truest sense of the phrase "family business". It ain't easy, believe me.
I can't blame them at all for selling to the highest bidder - that's simply smart business sense. Who in their right mind would sell their property to the lowest? They worked VERY hard to purchase that property, and maintain a successful business there, and deserve to reap their reward for those efforts.
The area around Exit 20 is changed forever, and nothing is going to stop the growth there. Even if another restaurant went into that space, there's no guarantee that the new owner wouldn't soon sell to a high-bidding corporation. Change is inevitable, and our beloved, peaceful lakes region is indeed changing. We will surely miss the great food and service at Kalliope's, but I can't say as I would have done things any differently if I were in their shoes.