Neighbors concerned about traffic as plans emerge for possible new restaurant on Outer Loop

Some residents welcome the potential new business, while others worry it could add traffic to an already busy stretch of road.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Okolona may soon see a new restaurant along Outer Loop.

The area, which already includes Drake’s, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and Heine Brothers, and sits down the road from Texas Roadhouse, could be adding another dining option.

A landscape plan application for a restaurant has been submitted on Louisville Metro’s website. While the application does not identify the restaurant, it lists the applicant as an engineering firm based in Lexington.

The possible development has sparked mixed reactions among nearby residents. Some neighbors say they are concerned about increased traffic and noise, noting that Drake’s has already changed the area.

“Growing up here this was a dead end and you kind of felt safe, your kids riding their bikes, but now my toddler can’t even come out in the front yard because there’s people flying up and down this road 80 miles per hour,” said Bryanna Wise, who lives next to Drake’s.

The news also comes as the Texas Roadhouse on Outer Loop prepares to relocate down the road to Brooke Elizabeth Way.

Other neighbors say they welcome the possibility of another restaurant in the area.

“I don’t think it will affect us; I think it will bring more money into the area for sure,” said Timothy Bowley, who lives in a neighborhood backing up to the open grassy area where the restaurant could be built. “Obviously, I don’t want a gas station or something like that, or even a store. I think restaurants mean people coming in and out, and it’s a quick turnaround.”

When it comes to what residents would like to see, Wise already has a favorite in mind.

“If they bring anything, bring Jaggers. I’ve been wanting a Jaggers around here so bad,” she said.

WDRB reached out to both the engineering company involved in the project and the landowner but had not received a response.

According to Louisville Metro Planning, the landscape plan for the site has already been approved.