Chef to Reopen Story Restaurant While Owner Lists Property for $3.195 Million

The historic Wagon Box in Story is listed for $3.195 million, a figure that signals a potential change in ownership for the property. The listing was placed with Wallack Commercial Realty. Despite the sale, the restaurant is not closing. A new chef is preparing to reopen the dining room by mid-December. Owner Paul McNiel is simultaneously exploring ways to keep the property in his hands or find a buyer who will support the new restaurant.

McNiel has sought investment partners since he purchased the Wagon Box. His initial proposal involved creating a decentralized autonomous organization, or DAO, which would have offered property access through a digital timeshare model. That idea generated local debate. More than 150 people attended a town hall in 2023 to discuss the plan. McNiel later dropped the DAO concept but continued looking for a destination where people could gather for writing, discussion, and retreats.

The current search for a partner follows the abrupt departure of chef Vincent Fiore earlier this year. Fiore left the struggling location, citing a difference in vision with McNiel. McNiel pointed to the challenges of operating in a small community and criticism from some residents. He clarified that his previous comments about negative experiences were directed at a small group, not the entire community. He said the new operator has a track record of success and will do an incredible job.

Julian Gagnon is the new chef. He co-founded Butterworth’s in Washington, D.C., in 2024 with chef Bart Hutchins. Gagnon has been staying at the Wagon Box for about a week. He plans to serve familiar comfort food prepared with French culinary techniques. The menu will include meatloaf, fried chicken, duck breast, and pierogis stuffed with duck confit. Gagnon stated that his style has always involved applying French technique to home-style food. He has reviewed previous pricing and plans to stay within a similar range.

Gagnon has been introducing himself to residents in Story. He visited the local library to look for history books and inspiration. He noted that the Wagon Box has a long history as a food destination. He said he does not see a reason the same cannot happen again. He acknowledged that the area has experienced ups and downs. He believes that building the restaurant now will prepare it for when the local economy turns around fully.

The restaurant will operate year-round. Gagnon plans to open seven days a week initially. He will adjust the schedule based on business during the first few weeks. He intends to keep current hours on social media and Google Maps. This step is designed to prevent people from driving to Story only to find the restaurant closed.

McNiel said a sale would not necessarily stop the restaurant plans. He envisions an arrangement where a buyer takes the property subject to a restaurant lease. This would allow operators to continue under new ownership. He is also open to finding a financial partner who would help him keep the place going as is. He described his approach as opening several doors to see which offers the best way forward. His goal remains making the Wagon Box a destination for locals and travelers.

McNiel hopes the property can continue to host writing retreats and gatherings focused on homesteading. Even if he sells, he expects to keep bringing people together to think, write, pray, and share ideas. He could do this at another property he owns. Alternatively, he might return to the Wagon Box with a group to rent space for a weekend getaway. He said the community is ready to give the project a chance. He noted that residents have seen how much effort has been put into the venue.

The next major step is the restaurant reopening in mid-December. Gagnon will finalize the menu and staff in the coming weeks. McNiel will continue negotiations with potential buyers and partners. The property remains active under the new management while the sale process moves forward. The Wagon Box will resume operations with the new chef leading the kitchen.