Plans still pending for Lake Wylie’s Cafe 49 site

The former Cafe 49 site in Lake Wylie doesn’t yet have a new owner to open a restaurant. One isn’t expected at least until the new year.

“We’re trying to get some stuff fixed,” said property owner Fred Kanos, including internal upgrades and more visible changes to the outside area.

Kanos said the intent is to have a restaurant, but said what type is speculation.

“I’ve heard so many rumors,” he said. “I’ve heard a brewery. I’ve heard this, and I’ve heard that.”

Specifically, he said, there’s no truth to rumors of a Greek restaurant or sports bar already signed on to reopen the site.

“It’s not a Greek restaurant,” Kanos said. “There’s a sports bar right down the street.”

The site is an “extra project” for him right now, Kanos said. Nothing is likely to change or a new restaurant owner likely to sign on until at least early January, he said.

Cafe 49 closed in fall 2014 after six years in Lake Wylie. A fire at the restaurant earlier that year cost the business more than a month for repairs. Kanos said earlier this year the renovations won’t include a full redo of the dining room area until he picks the new restaurant.

This story was originally published November 20, 2015 at 8:37 AM with the headline "Plans still pending for Lake Wylie’s Cafe 49 site."