O'Charleys

Just saw that the O'Charleys restaurant at Springhurst is closed effective today. Not that it surprises me but....

That leaves three open in the Louisville Metro. The one on Outer Loop closed last year (soon to be replaced by Storming Crab).

According to a news article I found, they've been quietly closing several locations. I haven't set foot in one in years, although there's no particular reason I lost interest (maybe avoiding eating a dozen yeast rolls has something to do with it).

Romano's Macaroni Grill has also bit the dust. I saw that coming from a mile away, as the reviews had been plummeting for years.

People can try to blame COVID restrictions for closing, but if restaurant operators were inept before COVID, THAT is the reason they had to close. If people are going to risk going out for food (even take out), that food and service better be good, and surprisingly, many are still botching food and service badly and are losing customers because of it.

I worked at this place for about 2 years and there has been a fun thread on FB going on for all of the people who worked there talking about the memories and the friends we made because of the place. I guess it was over 20 years ago when I worked there. Wow, how time flies!

If people are going to risk going out for food (even take out), that food and service better be good, and surprisingly, many are still botching food and service badly and are losing customers because of it.

Exactly this. Last week, I got takeout from three local establishments I like but hadn't patronized in a while. All three times, the host handling the carryout orders forgot to get the beverages I ordered, and I had to remind them. I'm not going to put anyone on blast, because I felt like it was mere inattention and the food and drinks were otherwise good, but it does seem like some establishments are letting their guard down instead of stepping up their game.

If people are going to risk going out for food (even take out), that food and service better be good, and surprisingly, many are still botching food and service badly and are losing customers because of it.

Exactly this. Last week, I got takeout from three local establishments I like but hadn't patronized in a while. All three times, the host handling the carryout orders forgot to get the beverages I ordered, and I had to remind them. I'm not going to put anyone on blast, because I felt like it was mere inattention and the food and drinks were otherwise good, but it does seem like some establishments are letting their guard down instead of stepping up their game.

I’d give them a pass during these stressful times.

I drove by the old O'Charley's building this morning and noticed it had a "sold" sign up. Apparently it's going to be a First Watch -- and possibly more. I found a real estate listing that shows the logos of both First Watch and LaRosa's Pizza at the O'Charley's site. The company that has franchise rights for First Watch also operates LaRosa's franchises, and it already has one building in Lexington that houses both restaurants. If LaRosa's does open there, I guess it would be the first Louisville location.

I wonder what might go in the old Chicago spot? Anybody heard?

I wonder if that's the same pizza place that was in Cincinnati when I lived there 21 years ago.
We called it 'La Gross-a's Pizza'

LaRosa's is like Bearnos, except half as good. They were the ones that gave a free 10" pizza when the Reds would win and get ten strikeouts (I know, because I cashed one of those tickets). That was about all they were good for. Not a great addition to the pizza scene.

The old O'Charley's building really is going to become both First Watch and LaRosa's Pizza. Apparently they won't be physically connected, though; they'll have separate restrooms. I would assume that if they're going to open one LaRosa's in Louisville, they plan to open more. I'm not sure how well they'll compete, considering how much good pizza we have already.

The old O'Charley's building really is going to become both First Watch and LaRosa's Pizza. Apparently they won't be physically connected, though; they'll have separate restrooms. I would assume that if they're going to open one LaRosa's in Louisville, they plan to open more. I'm not sure how well they'll compete, considering how much good pizza we have already.

I certainly agree and based on Steve's post I would think they would do well at all. Did you mean they will share restrooms instead of have separate restrooms? I would think that was going to be an awfully big building just for 1st Watch.

Did you mean they will share restrooms instead of have separate restrooms?

No, each restaurant will have its own restrooms. I assume that makes it easier if one of the restaurants closes in the future and they have to find a different tenant for that space.