Landmark St. Matthews building to become Pier 17 Cajun Seafood restaurant

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A landmark St. Matthews property will be transformed into a seafood restaurant and bar.

Tao "Tom" Liu purchased the building on Shelbyville Road that once housed Dutch's Tavern and Mellow Mushroom last week for $1.7 million, according to our partners at Louisville Business First, citing a deed filed with the Jefferson County Clerk's Office.

Liu plans to turn the space into a Pier 17 Cajun Seafood Restaurant.

The building, near other restaurants and Trinity High School, was put up for sale last year for $2.6 million. It's known for the Baker Boy Hot Donuts sign on its facade — which Liu said will remain on the building, though it might be moved slightly.

Liu said the space will have more upscale features than the brand's other two locations on Hurstbourne Parkway and in Evansville, Indiana. He's also behind local restaurants Yoki Buffet and Umami Buffet.

The restaurant is set to feature a raw bar, a tiki bar concept and a section with an immersive light show effect that will "give diners the feeling they are inside an ocean or a volcano," LBF reported. The bar has more than 40 taps, a patio, a large dining room with windows that open, a stage and booths.

Liu expects renovations to cost between $800,000 and $1.2 million, and be complete in time for a June opening.

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