Former castle-like building on West 13th is transformed to the delight of neighbors

Aug. 3, 201211:14 a.m.

WICHITA — A former eyesore along West 13th Street has been transformed, and passersby are wondering what’s going on.

The building at 3020 W. 13th no longer shows any traces of a turret or anything else castle-like, which it was once known for.

There were various bars and restaurants at the building through the years, including the Paradise Restaurant & Club where someone was murdered in 2002, but it’s been vacant for some time.

Owner Don Cary, who also owns All Things BBQ, bought the building in 2005 to use for one of his other businesses. He didn’t end up needing it, though, and would like to sell or lease it.

A broker suggested Cary improve the appearance of the building, which Cary admits was not too attractive.

It’s “just completely changed,” he says. “The big tower’s gone.”

The 4,800-square foot building has a new roof and exterior walls, and the parking lot has been refinished.

Cary says the inside is empty and ready for someone new to come along and finish it.

By Carrie Rengers | Tags: , , Filed under Real estate, West side | Comments Off

All Things BBQ to double its space in Delano

Oct. 12, 20105:31 a.m.

WICHITA — At a time when a lot of businesses are downsizing or even closing, All Things BBQ in Delano is going to double its space.

That’s after barely over a year in business.

“We just see a real strong following of people who are interested in having a place where they can come to get all of the barbecue supplies,” says owner Don Cary.

He and his wife, Kathy, opened the business in 1,700 square feet at 615 W. Douglas west of the Delano clock tower in July 2009.

Now, they’re taking another 1,700 at 617 W. Douglas.

Part of the expanded space will be for the Carys’ Yoder Smokers. That’s their company that manufactures barbecue smokers and pellet grills.

“We need more space on the floor . . . for people to be able to see them,” Don Cary says.

All Things BBQ also sells items such as seasonings, rubs, marinades, fuel and barbecue accessories.

At his wife’s insistence, Cary says he’s adding a gift-wrapping station, which he agrees is probably a smart idea.

Cary says when he’s talked with other people in the barbecue business, he’s found that “when the economy tightens, their barbecue business has always gone up.”

He says he found it “just interesting to hear that.”

Cary feels good about his future business.

“I think it’s going to continue to grow for us nicely.”

By Carrie Rengers | Tags: , , , , Filed under Uncategorized | Comments

All Things BBQ coming to Delano

July 8, 20095:16 p.m.

WICHITA — And now for the last bit of Delano news for the day.

All Things BBQ will have a soft opening later this month at 615 W. Douglas west of the clock tower.

The specialty retail shop will carry smokers, grills, fuel, sauces, rubs and everything else associated with cooking out. Eventually, it will have cooking classes as well.

“We have a pretty extensive list of things we’re going to be offering,” says Don Cary, who is opening the store with his wife, Kathy.

She’s who convinced him to open the shop and put it in Delano.

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By Carrie Rengers | Tags: , , , , Filed under Delano, Retail | Comments Off