LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A fried chicken restaurant and bar that opened in Louisville's Audubon neighborhood less than four months ago has temporarily closed.
The Dirty Bird restaurant is having trouble securing a liquor license, according to our partners at Louisville Business First.
Co-owner Fred Pizzonia said he's losing about $10,000 weekly, due to a lack of alcohol sales he said is driving away customers and employees.
The restaurant opened on Clarks Lane Feb. 10 in the more than 3,300-square-foot building that formerly housed Tim Tam Tavern. Since its opening, Pizzonia said the restaurant's staff has fallen from 30 employees to just seven.
"I've lost all of my staff, and I don't blame them. They're making $300 a week when they're used to making $400 a night," Pizzonia told LBF. "We're going to close down until we get this liquor license thing figured out, and then I'll probably have to do some rehiring."
Pizzonia said he believes the suggestive names on the restaurant's menu might be a factor in the delay. He said a state Alcoholic Beverage Control representative has complained about the names in their correspondence.
According to LBF, to obtain a liquor license in Kentucky, a restaurant has to register with the state ABC through its portal and complete a license application online. Applicants also have to provide documentation such as floor plans and proof of beverage service training. The entire process usually takes 30 to 120 days.
Pizzonia said none of his other restaurants have had to wait more than 30 days for a license. He heads the ownership group behind a handful of restaurants on Goss Avenue in the Germantown neighborhood, including Hauck's Corner, Baked AF, Breakfast AF and Pizza AF.
While he waits on a license for The Dirty Bird, he said he is concerned about getting his license in the near future over complaints about suggestive menu titles and signage. That includes the complaints from the Kentucky ABC representative.
"It's crazy," Pizzonia told LBF. "I don't have a bunch of opposition (to the license). Really, what is the deal? You don't like our menu, menu names and our thing? It's 2025."
LBF said it reached out to the Kentucky ABC office for comment but has not yet heard back.
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