Later Kentucky Oaks post time brings mixed results for Louisville restaurants

“We were down probably 15–20% compared to previous years."

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A later post time for the Kentucky Oaks this year brought mixed results for Louisville restaurants, with some reporting losses while others found new ways to adapt.

For the first time, the Oaks race was moved about two hours later and aired in primetime on national television — a shift that worried many restaurant owners ahead of Derby weekend.

At Captain's Quarters, staff were back in the kitchen days later, trying to recover from what is typically the busiest restaurant day of the year for the city.

“We were down probably 15–20% compared to previous years,” co-owner Andrew Masterson said.

Restaurant owners said the schedule change forced them to rethink their approach, spending months finding new ways to draw in customers.

“I think we got creative and did more to attract locals that normally wouldn’t go out on Derby weekend because it’s so difficult to get into places,” Masterson said.

At Steak & Bourbon, co-owner Rick Moir said his downtown restaurant performed well, though dining patterns shifted.

“Instead of the typical 12 to 15, we were taking care of 20 to 30 people at a time,” Moir said. “A lot of those groups don’t often get restaurants where they can book together.”

Some restaurant groups said their sales were flat or lower compared to previous years, while others saw unexpected benefits.

“To be honest, I think we did better than years past,” Moir said. “The later Oaks race leveled out the night. Instead of everyone coming at once, it came in waves.”

Many businesses also made a stronger push to attract local customers on nights when reservations are typically hard to secure during Derby weekend.

Owners said the experience underscored the need to stay flexible.

“We have to adapt,” Masterson said. “We’ve gotten used to it over the years — whether it’s floods or road construction. This time, it was the schedule.”

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said he plans to meet with some businesses and restaurant owners in the coming weeks to evaluate how the later Oaks post time impacted them.