When the historic VJ’s Grocery and Cafe in Volente closed in 2008, the property had been in the community for more than 160 years. Today, the spot has new owners with plans to reopen. And during the remodeling process, much of its history has come to light.

After purchasing VJ’s in January, Loved Homes hired Frie Planning, Development and Construction to create a plan for the redevelopment. Upon joining the project in March, Vice President Kellie Rush-Frie began digging into the history of the property.

“I knew there used to be gas pumps here,” she said. “As I started looking into the history [of the gas pumps], I started finding more amazing things about the property.”

She eventually found a pre-World War II bullet, 1950s newspaper insulation in the walls and an area of the building rumored to have once been a brothel. Rush-Frie began working with a neighbor and a former resident of VJ’s to put together the history.

Having hosted various families in the downstairs living area and an assortment of businesses upstairs, VJ’s has undergone several name changes and deed changes, leaving a legal trail for Rush-Frie to follow.

At an open house for the community held during a fire department fish fry event, Rush-Frie put together a presentation of the property’s history and asked for community input on what residents wanted to see the property become.

“They wanted it to be a grocery and a restaurant again,” she said.

Loved Homes decided to purchase several lots near the property to have adequate space for the remodel and a new parking lot.

In addition to a grocery store and restaurant, plans for the space include a coffee shop, a storage area and a potential classic motorcycle showcase. Loved Homes is seeking a zoning change to allow room to expand. Rush-Frie said she is confident the property will reopen and hopes to break ground in 2017.

VJ’s Grocery and Cafe 15401 FM 2769, Leander