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Grandson takes over realty business

A Kanute family member has been involved with selling real estate since Bern Kanute did it out of her Seventh Street home in 1964.

Last month, her grandson Chris Kanute became the latest in that line of Kanutes as he bought the Kanute Realty business at 1424 E. Main St. from other family members.

"I've been selling real estate for 17 years now, and it was my turn to buy it," said Chris, a 1986 graduate of St. Charles High School who also is remembered in golf circles for his part on the 1984 Saints' state championship team.

The family name became well known when Chris's father, Charles Kanute, and partner Al Zak operated Kanute-Zak Century 21 Realty for many years.

"Then my mom bought the business and other family members got involved, and now I own it," Chris added. "We decided to change back to Kanute Real Estate because even though Century 21 is a great company, our business models were differing and we wanted to keep this all on a local level."

Like others in real estate, Kanute Real Estate is weathering tough times.

"The last two years have been very slow, and I think the worst is behind us," said Chris, who mentioned that things were so slow two years ago he began selling Christmas trees on his lot.

"We are mostly dealing with sellers now who have to leave for some reason, and you have to be empathetic because some have no idea that their house is not worth what they thought," Chris explained. "It's a whole different gamut now and you really have to become consultants with your clients."

Some Latin flair: It's changing hands like a revolving door you'd see at many restaurants. But owners Bob and Jeannette DiPasquantonio are hoping something with a little Latin and South American flair can make a go of it at 330 W. State St. in Geneva.

Isabella's and Citizen Kane have been the most recent restaurants at that site, but now the DiPasquantonios, who also own Urban Grille, are hoping that Eñye can be a hit at that location.

There aren't many other Cuban or Latin restaurants that I know of in the area, so hopefully they are on to something here.

The new owners are busy, which is why my calls were not returned, but we'll catch up to them at some point and find out more about this project.

I know they are hoping for a Sept. 1 opening, and if the signs on the windows now are any indication we'll be eager for its debut. Those signs are simple right now - Drink, Eat and Dance.

Peace in the Pacific: Veterans and city dignitaries will be at the St. Charles VFW Post 5036 at 7 a.m. Saturday for a fag-raising ceremony to commemorate the end of World War II in the Pacific.

The new St. Charles VFW Post 5036 commander, Dick Leckbee, is hoping to keep the post's activities in the public eye. With that in mind, a continental breakfast is being offered at the post after the flag raising.

dheun@sbcglobal.net