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Seriously Good!
Legendary Adherence to Tradition!
OUR STORY
What could possibly be missing from this great restaurant scene?
Answer: An all-American cheeseburger, fried chicken, and ice cream parlor reminiscent of times past.
This is where Bill DuBourg, and Matt Staggs entered the picture. Local family men with close roots to our city and its members. Growing up in the local catholic community we all graduated from Saint Xavier High School. Collectively we have over 50 years of experience in the Louisville restaurant scene working in all positions on all levels of dining. Each one of us has reached the pinnacles of our careers in cooking, operations, and cocktails individually and the next logical step is a place of our own. We are all aware risky business we have chosen for a career but also seasoned enough to calculate these risks to thriving success. Muhammad Ali once said, “If you’re not willing to take risks you will never accomplish anything”, so here we go.
We are not reinventing the wheel; we are just making sure we do well by the neighborhood and our community by serving amazing burgers, traditional fried chicken and cocktails. Every time you drive near this hallmark you will be met with the sweet smell of smoked deliciousness and your mouth will begin to water.
Entering the main restaurant looking out to the floor the amazing remodel will impress all our nostalgic customers and the newcomers alike. The bar area features an indoor/outdoor rectangular bar serving patrons on both sides. The concept is an industrial farmhouse capturing the history of Kaelin’s each chance we get while still appealing to a new generation of 80/20 patrons.
Then there’s the patio and boy is it impressive. It’s a wrap around porch on steroids. The outdoor bar features televisions and street and restaurant views at the same time. The patio will be completely fenced in and secured with panic bar exits making it safe for the whole family.
The malt shop and ice cream parlor is our tribute to our families. Homemade ice cream, milkshakes, malts, and sundaes are not all that’s on the menu. This space will also feature quick service burgers, dogs, and brats for those guests in a hurry.
We have many years experience in catering and event planning and with space for 70+, handicap accessibility, and parking to match we are the spot for your next function.
So there’s the past, present and the future in a nutshell.
Focus, Consistancy and Fire!
Matt Staggs
Owner/Executive Chef
Matt Staggs began his culinary career at fourteen years old, washing dishes at the original Impelizerri’s Pizza. After his first year he was allowed to shape pizza dough and mix the custom blend of Italian sausage. He would keep the lessons learned there with him throughout his career. Work hard on the task at hand, always pay attention to what is going on around you, and when an opportunity presents itself, make the most of it.
Exceding Expectations!
William Dubourg
Owner/FOH Manager
A seasoned restaurant professional who has been in the restaurant and bar industry for over 20 years, at all levels and all positions. From fast food to four star fine dining, from dishwasher to general manager, and everything in between. I am currently the general manager/ head bartender of Left Field Lounge in the heart of the Louisville Highlands. I have been in this position for the past 10 years. Prior to Left Field lounge, I was manager/ bartender at Shenanigans Irish Pub, also for approximately 10 years.
Creative Joy!
Louisville Landmark
Louisville Landmark
Louisville Landmark
Kaelin’s Restaurant, opened in 1934 by Carl and Margaret Kaelin in Louisville, Kentucky, is widely recognized as a "birthplace of the cheeseburger," created when Carl added cheese to a burger. The Highland neighborhood spot also holds a place in history as one of the first locations to serve Harland Sanders' Kentucky Fried Chicken
The Colonel
Louisville Landmark
Louisville Landmark
“Welcome to Kaelin’s” said the yellow menu card that Irma Kaelin Raque handed me in her restaurant in June 2006. The cheeseburgers tasted great. I promised her that I would sketch the history of the place on a return to Louisville.
Happy Hour is Here!
Louisville Landmark
No One Leaves Hungry!
Kaelin’s - the legendary restaurant at Newburg Road and Speed Avenue in Louisville’s Highlands - was a culinary tip in the city and widely known as the birthplace of the cheeseburger. I took along the menu and some small Kaelin’s sweets as souvenirs.
No One Leaves Hungry!
Contact Me (502) 200-8020
No One Leaves Hungry!
In 2015, Kaelin’s is already history! In 2009, after 75 years, its doors closed, and the striking blue, white Kaelin’s sign was taken down and sold. Built by immigrants from Einsiedeln, a Louisville institution disappeared; a third generation was interested no more! In August 2015, therefore, I meet 84-year-old Irma Raque for milk and doughnuts at her nice home at Lamont Road. After the interview she was getting ready to travel to Denver, to her son and grand children. Listening to her is pleasant. The cultivated lady is used to entertaining and playing hostess. “We Kaelin's are a proud bunch; I am also proud of having Swiss and Einsiedeln roots.”
The One and Only!
Contact Me (502) 200-8020
Contact Me (502) 200-8020
However, if you mention the name Kaelin’s Restaurant to anyone from Kentucky you will resoundingly here, “the cheeseburger place?” As this angle wasn’t enough Kaelin’s boasts another equally impressive distinction, Kentucky Fried Chicken. In its infancy KFC and specifically Harland Sanders himself cooked and sold his famous chicken within these walls. Kaelin’s will forever be the first business to serve the colonels famous recipe in the city of Louisville. This is history to each and every member of our society and needs a rebirth to retain its former glory.
Contact Me (502) 200-8020
Contact Me (502) 200-8020
Contact Me (502) 200-8020
In 1934 in a neighborhood community known quaintly as the Highlands a local couple named Carl and Margaret Kaelin decided to open a family restaurant. Kaelin’s Restaurant was born and over the years thrived creating countless memories for generations of Louisvillians. The restaurant became known as the “birthplace of the cheeseburger” serving the first version of this timeless classic for over 70 years. This claim to fame is argued amongst historians and the real origins are unconfirmed for the record books.