Norwalk's Freight House on the auction block

NORWALK — Norwalk's once-popular Freight House Grill & Pub is on the auction block. Bids start at $150,000. The restaurant, 50 N. Prospect St., was previously on the market for $1.4 million. The online auction will take place on Jan. 28, according to the realtor handling the transaction, Kendra Clark. An open house is set for: • Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18 • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 "If you missed the first open house, come out and take a tour of the building and kitchen," according to Kendra Clark, the realtor handling the transaction. People can learn more by visiting ohiore.nextlot.com/auctions/1705731/lots. An email from Clark notes the restaurant owner reserves the right to cancel the auction and accept an offer prior to the auction date. Here is the text promoting the online auction: • "Turn-key established, well-known and community-cherished restaurant for sale in the heart of Norwalk. Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of Norwalk's locomotive history." • "Historical train depot turned into a local sports pub known for their menu designed by current owner, Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts chef, who has put his heart and soul into the establishment for nearly 10 years. • Incredible amount of showcased sports memorabilia and model train, which travels around the ceiling perimeter will remain after the sale. • "Unreproducible history and character: menu, recipes, point-of-sale system, website, inventory, liquor license. • Equipment will remain and be fully operational for the new owner. Current owner is happy to stay to train purchaser for one month after sale to provide a seamless transition. • Great parking. Clark said the auction served as an expeditious way to market the property. "Auctions are a wonderful tool to advertise a property and bring in offers," Clark said. "The goal is to sell the property and the owner chose to use an auction to facilitate the process." The former business owner, Andrew Stroud, put the restaurant on the market last fall. He listed the business at $1.4 million. Back then, he told the Reflector his reasons why. "It's just time for me to be done with it," Stroud said. "I've taken it as far as it can go and I'm ready to do something different with my life."