New business 12/17/01

China Palace owner likes his new location

John Cai likes his new location on Broadway.

"We have more parking space and more room inside," said John Cai, who operates the China Palace Restaurant at 2123 Broadway.

Cai, who operated his Chinese restaurant at 1731 Broadway five years, moved to his new address earlier this year.

Cai came to the United States in July 1992, working as a chef at the former Golden Dragon Restaurant, which was owned by a relative, businessman Peter Choi.

When the Golden Dragon was sold, Cai found that the China Palace was available for lease.

The China Palace had been established in November 1993, by Xuiesong Zhkang, a research instructor at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, and his wife, Ying Yu.

Cai assumed operation of the restaurant.

"We have a family business here," said Cai.

Cai's wife, Ruiling Luo Cai, helps in the restaurant, along with their 16-year-old son, Johnny Cai, who works at the restaurant after school.

The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. seven days a week.

"We have built up a big drive-up and delivery business, as well as the sit-down business," said Cai.

The restaurant offers a variety of authentic Chinese foods, featuring sweet and sour chicken, shrimp and pork, Hunan beef, shrimp, pork and chicken, and other entrees with steamed Chinese vegetables, egg rolls and other side orders.

Cai was not always a Chinese cook. While living in China, he worked as an electrician, mechanic and welder. In 1985, Cai decided to change careers when a vacancy came up in a weaving mill dining room.

"When that opportunity came along, I decided to become a cook and chef," he said.

Hayes children's store opens in Jackson

JACKSON, Mo. -- Elizabeth Hayes Children's Store has opened at 129 S. High St. in Jackson.

The new store specializes in children's gifts, bedding and accessories.

Sharee Galnore and Dawn Faller, who also own High Street Station at 106 S. High, are owners of the new business.

Galnore said they saw the need for the children's store because of High Street Station customers' requests.

Hand-painted furniture, Classic Pooh, Beatrix Potter and assorted gifts and accessories are available at the new store. The new store held its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony recently.

The store is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The store is also open until 8 p.m. Thursday.

-- From staff reports