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When Friendlee (no last name) moved to Greenville, one of his dreams was to become a successful businessman in the downtown district.

Twenty years later the downtown businessman part became a reality, and it appears he is on his way to realizing the successful part. The wine serving business is good, he says, even though it’s been a long time coming to this part of Texas.

On May 31, 2008, Friendlee and his wife, Teresa Granados, opened the Blue Armadillo on the corner of Lee Street and St. John, formerly the location of Sadye’s Bridal Shop, Marie’s Costume Alley and Fashion Shoes.

In 1988, the couple came to Greenville from San Diego, Calif., to be near her family. Eventually Friendlee went to work at the local radio station where he was employed off and on until 2008, he says.

When Friendly began in earnest to plan the establishment he picked the Lee Street location because of its history and environment. He says it is believed to have been built around 1880 and was the bank owned by the legendary Thomas King. After King moved his bank, it became The Greenville Commercial Bank. At some time the building was divided into two businesses and was the location of the Cinderella Shop.

A lot of work went into restoring as much of the original interior of the building as possible which meant restoring the original marble floor which was covered with multiple layers of various types of flooring.

Friendee’s stepson, Bart Kiley, has milled most of the furnishings including the curved bar and the wine racks. Also helping with the restoration was David Sumall of Greenville. The crew also worked to restore the walkway into the building which was made from Tennessee Teacup Pink marble.

It is Friendlee’s attention to detail and use of a historic building that has earned him and his wife the Award of Distinction by Keep Greenville Beautiful.