The Gold Rush Cafe Has a New Owner

The new owner, Korey Vazquez, announced the sale on Friday. Vazquez will immediately take over management of the restaurant.

"I am extremely excited to begin the next chapter with the Gold Rush Café! It is a Paducah landmark that I am immensely proud to become a part." Vazquez continued, "While I am finalizing all details needed to reopen the Gold Rush Restaurant, I will bring back as many of the employees as quickly as I can."

Vazquez says Gold Rush will reopen as soon as possible, and that an announcement will be coming soon.

The sale comes after the previous owner, Kenneth White, was charged with attempting to entice a minor to engage in sex in southern Illinois.

According to the US District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, on July 8 White was arraigned on the charge and entered a not guilty plea. 

White was arrested June 9 after he allegedly drove from Paducah to Metropolis to meet with a man he believed was willing to let his 10-year-old daughter have sex. This followed explicit emails and text messages with the undercover FBI officer that began April 28. 

His next court appearance is set for August 20 in Federal Court in Benton, Illinois.

White provided the following statement regarding the announcement:

"It is with great bittersweet emotions that I announce the sale of the Gold Rush Restaurant," White continued, "given recent events surrounding the restaurant, I felt it was best for everyone involved, especially for Gold Rush’s valued employees and loyal customers, for the restaurant to have new owners and leadership. Gold Rush’s new owner, Korey Vazquez, will provide great new energy and ideas for the Gold Rush."