Rebirth of 'the cheel' restaurant in Thiensville fueled by $250K grant
THIENSVILLE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A popular restaurant in the Village of Thiensville that was destroyed in a fire is on the path towards being revived, thanks to a grant.
The $250,000 Community Development Investment grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation aims to restore "the cheel," which was destroyed in a 2020 fire.
Noted for its authentic Nepalese cuisine, "the cheel" opened its doors in 2014 and became a favorite among residents and tourists alike. With an emphasis on farm-to-table practices and situated in a 130-year-old Queen Anne building, the eatery was a unique fixture in Thiensville's dining scene.
Owner and chef Barkha Limbu Daily shared her excitement at the prospect of rebuilding, saying in a Friday, May 26 press release, “I am excited to bring Nepalese food back to the community. We could not do this without WEDC."
Daily, who emigrated from Nepal in 2003 to pursue higher education, founded "the cheel" after noting a lack of authentic Nepalese cuisine in Wisconsin. "We are lucky to have an organization that supports small, and woman-owned businesses in this state," she added.
The Community Development Investment Grant Program by WEDC, instrumental in aiding the rebuilding of The Cheel, has historically been a boon for community development and redevelopment projects. Since its inception in 2013, the program has reportedly awarded nearly $34.8 million in CDI Grants, expected to generate over $517 million in capital investments statewide.