The Future of Syl's: From Diner to Detail Shop

The Syl's restaurant property in Rockdale has been empty for over two years. The restaurant was a popular spot until it shut down in January 2023. The owner, Don "Duke" Williams, passed away in November 2022 from a heart attack. His wife, Maura Williams, announced the closure on Facebook. The restaurant's new owners have big plans, but they won't be serving food. Mike McCatty, a real estate agent, shared that the property was sold to a corporation. He wasn't sure of the exact plans, but he mentioned a couple of ideas. One is to turn the building into a shop for high-end car accessories and equipment. The other is to open a cannabis dispensary. However, Rockdale Village President Sam Wyke confirmed that a cannabis store is not in the cards. He stated that no special permits have been applied for. Instead, the new owners, under the name "Zuracan Underground, " have applied for a business license and building permit. They plan to sell auto parts and offer detailing services for luxury sports cars. The village president also mentioned that the new owners plan to do extensive remodeling. This means that the building will look quite different in the near future. The previous owners had sold off all the restaurant's furnishings and equipment before the sale. The community is curious about what will happen to the old Syl's building. Some people might be disappointed that it won't be a restaurant anymore. Others might be excited about the new business opportunities. It's always interesting to see how old buildings get new life. It's a reminder that change is a constant part of life, even in small towns like Rockdale.