Here’s the “scoop” on Manny & Merle, the honkytonk eatery and watering hole that Tony Palombino (boss of the Boombozz operation) is opening in the booming downtown strip around the historic Whiskey Row. The forum has been discussing it here:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=20127… but I regret being late in posting the formal news release. Tony distributed this to media last week but I missed my copy in the rush.
NEW BOURBON AND TEQUILA CONCEPT OPENING
ON WHISKEY ROW IN DOWNTOWN LOUISVILLE
Tony Palombino, known for his award-winning restaurants is pleased to announce his newest concept, Manny & Merle. The tavern will be located on Main Street near the KFC Yum! Center in the former Zena’s Cafe, and will feature Modern Mexican street fare, a large selection of
tequila and bourbons, a sophisticated cocktail list and live music.
Palombino chose the name Manny & Merle because it symbolizes the connection of the food with the musical influences of the “Bakersfield Sound” made popular by Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, and Johnny Cash,“Manny represents the Mexican immigrant street food served in the old Honky Tonks in Bakersfield, California, and Merle represents the Bakersfield musical history,” said Palombino.
Manny & Merle isn't going to be all country. It will explore the sounds of classic rock and blues and will feature live musical acts of upcoming artists. The interior design is a cross between a rural honky tonk and an urban industrial space. The semi-open air vintage doors in the front of the building will make passersby feel like they’re a part of the ambience. The historic bar, built in the 1920’s, will dominate one wall with beautifully lit bottles of tequila and bourbons. He tapped local creative visionary Mark Palmer to develop the branding and digital marketing.