The former Jade Palace Restaurant on Manitowoc’s south side has a new owner.
Derek Felber, owner of Salute to Everyone, located right next door, recently purchased the property for an undisclosed price.
It’s been home for several business ventures, but there’s been no activity there since the business closed on July 30th of 2023.
As for why Felber decided to buy it, he tells SeehaferNews.com, “I looked next door and finally decided to jump in and buy it. I really didn’t want anyone next door because so many businesses have come and gone in the last several years, so I thought, buy it up.”
Felber says he’s been “kicking around a few ideas” on what to do with the property.
“I’ve been through the building four times just poking around to see what possibilities exist,” he explained. “I’ve thought about tearing off the restaurant part of the back and building an apartment with retail space below. I’ve also thought about making it an antique store as I have plenty of antiques and beer signs, so I could have my own antique store next door.”
Salute to Everyone has become a favorite downtown destination for people to come and listen to talented local musicians, and is the home of WOMT Sports Talk on Monday nights.
Would Felber consider consolidating the two properties into one?
“The old saying goes bigger is not necessarily better, and if you have something good, just leave well enough alone,” he told us. “I’ve thought about tearing it down and maybe having room for parking and food trucks, and hosting one big band a month. I’m not sure yet, as there are several possibilities. I’m going to take my time, and we’ll see what happens.”
He does not have a specific timeline in mind, but is considering customers having input on what the next step in the process will be.
