The dark-brick, two-story building at 1513 Grand has been on the market for nearly two years. For many years, it was the site of the Willy Cafe, which served Chinese and Thai food. Most recently, it's been Thai Paradise.
The price tag -- $400,000 -- is firm. Why? Because the building's owner, Dale House, is committed to the purchase of Thai Paradise as part of the deal.
Thai Paradise is still open, but the restaurant's owners, Bangkok-born Willy Nokwichien and Susie Singchareon, are ready to retire after operating a cafe in the space for more than three decades. House met the couple -- they're still business partners but divorced -- when they were young would-be restaurateurs just out of college and looking at a potential space at Union Station in 1978. House worked for the railroad terminal and showed them around. He later bought the building at 1513 Grand to ensure their success.
There's been a restaurant in the building at 1513 Grand for at least a half-century. House purchased the location from the widow of a man who for years ran the Grand Star Cafe, a breakfast-and-lunch spot. The neighborhood has changed dramatically over the decades. There was once a flower shop two doors down, but today this stretch of Grand is dominated by strip clubs.
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