Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant and Bar is coming to Owensboro in the former Bar Louie Location at 234 Frederica Street. This marks the restaurant’s first Kentucky location.
Alan Lawrence, who owns the upcoming Big Whiskey’s, shared his excitement about bringing the concept to Owensboro. The restaurant is part of a smaller franchise based out of Springfield, Missouri, and has a growing presence across the country, with locations in Alabama, Florida, and Oklahoma.
“We think this concept is perfect for Kentucky. The look, feel, and ambiance of the restaurant will really fit here,” said Lawrence. “And the menu has something for everyone. We’ll carry over 100 whiskeys, with a focus on bourbon.”
The menu will feature classic American fare, including burgers, wings, and salads, but Lawrence is particularly excited about the steak options.
“I’m usually critical of steaks that aren’t from steakhouses, but Big Whiskey’s really impressed me,” he said.
Other menu items will include pasta and a variety of entrees to suit different tastes.
Lawrence and his wife moved to Owensboro about 10 years ago and have since made it their home. Though his background is in IT, Lawrence saw an opportunity to shift gears and enter the restaurant business.
“It’s a change of career for me,” he said. “I’ve always been interested in the restaurant industry, and my son, who has some experience in the field, will be helping out.”
The couple initially explored a few franchise options but were drawn to Big Whiskey’s after taking a road trip to several locations.
“We heard great things about the support and training from the franchisor, and the overall concept just seemed like a great fit for this area,” Lawrence said.
The decision to open in the former Bar Louie location came after looking at several spots around town, including Gateway Commons. However, the downtown area won out.
“We’re excited about everything happening downtown — the sports events, the Bluegrass Hall of Fame, all the tourism. It just felt like the right place for us,” he said.
They also plan to develop an outdoor patio for more open-air dining options.
Lawrence emphasized that while Big Whiskey’s is a franchise, it will still be a locally owned business.
“People sometimes see the word franchise and think it’s not local. But this is a locally owned business that will hire local people. We’ll likely hire around 60 employees,” he said. “The franchise just provides the support of a larger organization, but the money stays in the community.”
The restaurant is aiming to open in March 2025, though the exact timeline depends on construction progress.
Owensboro residents can expect more updates as the opening date approaches. Click here to learn more about Big Whiskey’s and to explore the menu.
