6 = THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
DOWNTOWN
THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2003
More Than Just Your Daily Crossword
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Paradise Café's new owners say lunch important, a priority
By Nicole Roché
nroche@kansan.com
Kansan staff writer
As a patron for 20 years of The Paradise Café, 728 Massachusetts St., Schuyler Lister said he was frustrated that his favorite restaurant was closed during lunch hours. Since he took over as owner in August, however, Lister has made sure the café stayed open.
"This is Lawrence, Kan," Lister said. "Half of the people roll out of bed at 1 o'clock."
The Paradise Café's extended hours are just one aspect of the revamped restaurant. Lister said he and general manager Scott Swedlund have spent eight months painting, polishing and renovating the restaurant, which made its debut in Lawrence more than 20 years ago.
Lister said the previous owner, Steve McCoy, was "ready to start a new adventure" after running the restaurant for 16 years. That's when Lister stepped in with a fresh concept for the café — and a few
"We started to bring it back to its former glory," Lister said.
paintbrushes.
A new blue stage is the restaurant's focal point, adorned by a blazing sun painted on the wall behind it. The stage is a symbol of the type of creativity Lawrence embodies. Lister said.
A creative stage called for creative bands, and Lister said the café worked to bring in local bands like Love Squad and Satan's Jeweled Crown.
"During the day, it's relaxed and comfortable, and you always run into people you know," Staves said. "Night's got a little more action."
Staves said she first started eating at The Paradise Cafe five years ago. She said she had noticed the restaurant's food had become more consistent in the past year, and she was pleased she could now get dinner—and lunch—throughout the day.
The Paradise Café is now open from 6:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays. The kitchen is open until 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and until 4 p.m. on Sundays.
— Edited by Anne Mantey