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After Garibaldi's moved out of the prime piece of corner property in downtown Carson City two years ago, Tom Johnson has waited for the right tenant. Many have queried, one even made extensive plans, but none have had the capital to back it up.
About three months ago, Johnson found a Reno couple who have the vision and the money.
"I really wanted someone to go in there who had a chance of survival, someone financially capable of keeping it viable," said Johnson, a broker with Sperry Van Ness who owns the building. "That was hard to find. I had other people that wanted to do other things there, but I really wanted a restaurant, so I held out until I found someone that fulfilled all those requirements."
CaiE's Oriental Café will open in September or October inside the Sweetland building.
"It's obviously going to reduce an unsightly corner right across from City Hall," he said. "We're in the design phase right now. You're going to see a big change in the exterior of the building."
Those who remember Carson City in the 1950s may remember the 303 N. Carson St. building back when it had a large window on the south side. Plans are to restore it to that look.
Johnson will help finance the exterior renovations. The restaurant project should cost "a couple $100,000." Extensive renovations will also be done on the side facing Carson Street.
Alan George and his wife, CaiE, who is from mainland China, are incorporating a "white swan" theme into their restaurant. CaiE means white swan in Cantonese.
"We're basically doing a casual Asian restaurant," he said. "We're going to have 22 different entrees, three different soups, which will change on a daily basis, and Dim Sum."
George plans to add a glass double-sized door as an entrance to the patio. The restaurant will seat about 60, and have a staff of 12. Most meals will be priced less than $10.
"We can't wait to open it," he said. "We're really excited."
The couple have lived in Reno since 1993, but they have also lived in China, where George operates a shipping-container manufacturing business.
The Carson City restaurant will be the first of their franchise, to be headquartered in Sparks.
"We have three restaurant leases signed," he said. "We're in the process of opening two in Reno, but Carson City will be our first."
One of their goals: community service in a historic community. George started looking for property here after he attended the Nevada Day Parade last year.
"I just fell in love with it," he said about downtown Carson City. "It is such a nice, old neighborhood that reminds me of my home on the East Coast. I realized I wanted to be a part of it."
The restaurant is a welcome addition for those who have wanted to attract more people downtown.
"Those of us who are involved in downtown revitalization are thrilled to see another type of restaurant," said Joe McCarthy, economic development and redevelopment manager. "The more restaurants we have the more opportunities people will have to come down and enjoy downtown Carson City."
• Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.
About three months ago, Johnson found a Reno couple who have the vision and the money.
"I really wanted someone to go in there who had a chance of survival, someone financially capable of keeping it viable," said Johnson, a broker with Sperry Van Ness who owns the building. "That was hard to find. I had other people that wanted to do other things there, but I really wanted a restaurant, so I held out until I found someone that fulfilled all those requirements."
CaiE's Oriental Café will open in September or October inside the Sweetland building.
"It's obviously going to reduce an unsightly corner right across from City Hall," he said. "We're in the design phase right now. You're going to see a big change in the exterior of the building."
Those who remember Carson City in the 1950s may remember the 303 N. Carson St. building back when it had a large window on the south side. Plans are to restore it to that look.
Johnson will help finance the exterior renovations. The restaurant project should cost "a couple $100,000." Extensive renovations will also be done on the side facing Carson Street.
Alan George and his wife, CaiE, who is from mainland China, are incorporating a "white swan" theme into their restaurant. CaiE means white swan in Cantonese.
"We're basically doing a casual Asian restaurant," he said. "We're going to have 22 different entrees, three different soups, which will change on a daily basis, and Dim Sum."
George plans to add a glass double-sized door as an entrance to the patio. The restaurant will seat about 60, and have a staff of 12. Most meals will be priced less than $10.
"We can't wait to open it," he said. "We're really excited."
The couple have lived in Reno since 1993, but they have also lived in China, where George operates a shipping-container manufacturing business.
The Carson City restaurant will be the first of their franchise, to be headquartered in Sparks.
"We have three restaurant leases signed," he said. "We're in the process of opening two in Reno, but Carson City will be our first."
One of their goals: community service in a historic community. George started looking for property here after he attended the Nevada Day Parade last year.
"I just fell in love with it," he said about downtown Carson City. "It is such a nice, old neighborhood that reminds me of my home on the East Coast. I realized I wanted to be a part of it."
The restaurant is a welcome addition for those who have wanted to attract more people downtown.
"Those of us who are involved in downtown revitalization are thrilled to see another type of restaurant," said Joe McCarthy, economic development and redevelopment manager. "The more restaurants we have the more opportunities people will have to come down and enjoy downtown Carson City."
• Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.
