LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) — Mayor Craig Greenberg announced Tuesday the first four restaurant projects selected to receive funding through a program aimed at boosting development in South Louisville.
The initiative focuses on attracting businesses and driving investment in the Dixie Highway and South End areas. Launched in September, the effort is part of the broader $3 million South End Loan and Incentive Fund.
The four grant recipients are:
-
LongHorn Steakhouse — The national full-service restaurant brand received $173,000 and will open at 7401 Dixie Hwy.
-
Crumbl Cookies — The dessert chain was awarded $45,000 and will locate at 10970 Dixie Hwy.
-
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers — Known for cooked-to-order steakburgers and freshly churned custard, the restaurant received $75,000 and will open at 8700 Dixie Hwy.
-
Derby City Pizza — The local business received $60,000 to expand its current location at 12900 Dixie Hwy, adding an event center and game yard.
City officials said the projects are expected to move forward quickly.
Crumbl Cookies plans to submit permit applications within the next week and is targeting an early summer opening. LongHorn Steakhouse is also expected to file permits soon and begin construction early this summer. Mayor Greenberg said Freddy’s has already secured permits and started construction.
Derby City Pizza Company plans to begin its expansion in April.
Greenberg said the investment highlights an area he believes has been overlooked for too long.
“I heard most from families in the South End that we need more restaurants, we need more stores, we need more retail and I totally agree,” Greenberg said. “A great neighborhood means not having to drive far to go to a restaurant, to buy groceries, to go to other stores and so we took action.”
Barry Brumley, a lifelong South Louisville resident, said he is hopeful the development will make a difference.
“It’ll guarantee to bring in more people that don’t stay in the southwest and let them get a different picture on us out here and you know just let them adventure a little bit more,” Brumley said.
Greenberg added that he hopes the investment encourages more national chains, as well as local businesses, to open locations in the South End and Valley Station areas.
Leave a Comment