Bristol closing its original Highlands location

[Robin Garr]

Another loss on Bardstown Road ...

After more than 48 years, our Highlands location will serve its final guests on March 15.

Since 1977, Highlands Bristol has been part of the heartbeat of this neighborhood — a place for late-night dining, celebrations, first dates, Sunday regulars, and countless memories. As the Highlands has changed over the years, decreased foot traffic and the loss of the late-night dining culture that once defined this area have made it increasingly difficult to operate in this location.

This transition reflects a thoughtful consolidation of our operations so we can focus on stability, strengthen the core of our business, and continue serving our guests and community responsibly. While this location is closing, our priority remains honoring the history of the Bristol and supporting the team members who have brought this restaurant to life for five decades.

Most importantly, we want to thank our extraordinary Highlands staff. Their dedication, heart, and hospitality over nearly 50 years are the reason this location has meant so much to so many. They created the experience our guests remember, and we are profoundly grateful for everything they poured into this restaurant.

Thank you, Highlands, for more than 48 unforgettable years — and thank you to our team for making those years truly special.

Bristol's Facebook post:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ChKSf ... tid=wwXIfr

I have so many memories of eating there from when I was a kid up until a few years ago, the last time I went. I used to live a few blocks away so I ate there all the time. It really was a staple of the Highlands which I've heard is somewhat in decline.

The first question is what will replace it? I can't imagine walking in that building and not getting Wontons. I felt the same way the first time I walked into the old Lentini's building after they closed.

It seems like a lot of places are closing down lately.

Reading between the lines a bit, I think the nightlife culture of Bardstown Road has moved away from the Bristol vibe. That's a shame.

BTW, Robin, I finally moved out of the boondocks. I didn't make it all the way inside the Watterson, but at least I'm inside the Snyder!

[Robin Garr]

BTW, Robin, I finally moved out of the boondocks. I didn't make it all the way inside the Watterson, but at least I'm inside the Snyder!

Welcome home, TP!

My husband and I eat there a couple of times a year, and have really noticed a decline in both food quality and service. Last time we went, I told him it's pretty obvious they just don't care. So while I'm not completely surprised to learn of their closure, I am really sad to lose what is almost an institution of the Highlands.

[Robin Garr]

That's pretty much the way I feel, Kim. I have happy memories of hanging out at the Bristol and eating/drinking there a lot back in the last century, evening, lunch, and especially that lovable weekend brunch. But it seemed to stay frozen in time while the restaurant scene moved on, and I can't remember the last time I was there.

I agree with Mike, it seems like there has been a spike in closures lately, especially of beloved staples.

[Robin Garr]

I agree with Mike, it seems like there has been a spike in closures lately, especially of beloved staples.

And not just on Bardstown Road. I think to some degree the industry has long covid ... long-term effects from the pandemic that vary from changing public attitudes and habits to higher pay and benefits expectations from both FOH and BOH staff.

Becky and I first met there - a blind date on a Sunday morning in 1994. We sat at the rightmost table in the front window as you face the restaurant. We still call it "our table."

I agree with Mike, it seems like there has been a spike in closures lately, especially of beloved staples.

And not just on Bardstown Road. I think to some degree the industry has long covid ... long-term effects from the pandemic that vary from changing public attitudes and habits to higher pay and benefits expectations from both FOH and BOH staff.

My guess is, the biggest factor driving these closures is customer affordability.

My wife and I ate out at a restaurant yesterday, one of the mid-range casual sitdowns that used to cost 2 of us $45-$50 after tip, before Covid. Yesterday the same exact meal cost $70 after tip. People's salaries haven't risen to match rising prices.

The food itself was great, service was good. The restaurant used to be packed on a Thursday before Covid. Yesterday it was less than half full.

That's a long way of saying, I just don't think a lot of people can afford to eat out anymore, which is a shame.

[Robin Garr]

Mike, I agree 100% … and I suspect that this is an outcome of the pandemic and servers and cooks coming back to work expecting more pay and benefits because they now realize that they have other options.

But what do I know?

We've been down this road before, but its always worth further reflection:

First, there are definately closures, and many are tied to difficulties in costs, maintaning good workers, megatrends, etc. That is a reality.

I can't speak on the industry as a whole, but rather on my observations around here. I see the Highlands (Bardstown Rd/Baxter Ave in particular), which is still our bluechip dining, drinking, and just hanging out in a cool area, as a strip that is constantly mutating. For example, the Bellwether and Myriad Hotels--both with good restaurants, and airbnbs of various sizes and genres that never existed before. The Mid City Mall has been dying a slow death but is now in transition before its renaissance (and this could be an important piece to the future of the highlands). There have been comings and goings, and crime, inconvenience, etc. is what it is and has its peaks and valleys. Frankfort Ave and St Matt are pretty much the same as they've been over the years. One exception is Oxmoor Mall and Top Golf. Top Golf pulls a lot of volume and people grab food and drink while there. There are also a few other restos and an indoor puttputt across from Top Golf. That back area holds a lot of people. It was absolutely dead a few years back.

The center of downtown is carried by Main St and its bourbon and museums. The rest of it is "just hanging in there." Of course, if some of these rehab projects come to fruition, that could change, Nulu is where things heat up in the downtown area and its shaping up slowly but surely. There is much drink, food, shops, and things like indoor golf, bourbon tours, etc. A new hotel will break ground in the next 1-2 months as well.

New Albany, Jeff, and even Clarksville have all developed inpressively over the past 10 yrs or so. That whole stretch is legit in many ways.

Norton Commons is remarkable. And much of the eastend is changing with multiple Publix stores and enough food to keep people in that part of town, especially Norton Commons which is designed to keep people in the hood.

And finally, the rest of the metro area. As I and others have pointed out, Fern Creek has changed a lot. And places like Bubbas 33, Sake Blue, Aspen Creek have weekend waiting lists. The ethnic areas hold their own with their ma and pa stores and restos are pretty much the same if not growing.

You can draw your own conclusions. But I think Louisville is still a pretty darn good foodie town. Its not a given, and has to be tended to. But its contouring fairly well to the megatrends in my view. It also maintains its "je ne sais quoi" vibe. Many other places have lost their vibe to corporate, high rise development.

[Robin Garr]

Well reasoned, James. I feel better already.