The national restaurant chain Noodles & Company is interested in locating in downtown Lawrence. The company has filed a site plan to locate at 8 W. Eighth St., the longtime home of Palace Cards and Gifts. Greg Guenther, who owns both the card shop and the building, characterized the project as being in its preliminary stages. He said the restaurant company would have to meet several conditions before the deal moves forward. He said a final decision on whether to close the card and gift shop to make way for the restaurant likely would not be made until January or February. Noodle & Company serves a variety of noodle dishes, ranging from Asian fare like Bangkok curry to American dishes like macaroni and cheese or chicken and noodles. According to the company’s Web site, the restaurant has Kansas locations in Olathe and Overland Park. Guenther said if the restaurant deal does move forward, he has not decided whether to reopen the card and gift shop at a new location.