KY B-Ball Coaches, Restaurant Endorsements

I'm stuck in Lexington... does Pitino have an on-going endorsement deal with any Louisville restaurants? I've read that he does Rally's commercials, but does he do commercials for any casual-dining or fine-dining?

In Lexington, recently-ousted coach Gillispie did commercials for locally-owned(?) Malones steakhouses. Before that, Tubby Smith did Rafferty's. I'm curious to see where Calipari shows up. I hope he skips Malone's, were I've had several overpriced and sort-of nasty meals (including the worst sushi I've ever had, and that includes grocery-store sushi).

Does anyone know if these deals are done directly through the coaches, or are they arranged through the respective University?

[Robin Garr]

I'm stuck in Lexington... does Pitino have an on-going endorsement deal with any Louisville restaurants? I've read that he does Rally's commercials, but does he do commercials for any casual-dining or fine-dining?

Rick is a regular at Porcini, and I've heard rumors that he may be an investor, but that's just backroom talk, nothing I can verify. He is said to be a great fan of Italian/Italian-American fare.

I'm not sure about investor, but know Pitino opened his own place in Lexington years back because he hated the local fare. He was later quoted as saying he'd never buy/start another restaurant because of the many things one needs to endure to make it happen...

Consequently, I'm not sure if Bravo Pitino is open any longer in Lexington.