Louisville restaurants hoping for successful Oaks day despite race time change

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — For the first time, the Kentucky Oaks will now air in prime time, shifting the schedule by a couple of hours and raising concerns among Louisville restaurant owners who rely on one of their busiest nights of the year.

When the change was first announced last summer, many in the restaurant industry feared it could cut into business. Just days before Oaks, those concerns haven't gone away.

"What's the major effect it's going to have on all of us," asked Kevin Grangier, who owns multiple Louisville restaurants.

Grangier is the founder and CEO of the Bell Noble Hospitality group, which operates LeMoo, Village Anchor, Grassa Gramma and Saki A Gogo. He said his team immediately began making adjustments, including expanding hours and offering alternative options for customers who may choose to spend more time at Churchill Downs instead of dining out.

"The decision really does affect a lot of people — not excluding my own people and restaurants — and we immediately began planning on how we would address it," Grangier said.

The Kentucky Restaurant Association said reservations for Oaks are down between 30% and 50% compared to previous years, a significant drop for what is typically one of the busiest days for local restaurants — often compared to Black Friday in retail.

"I think people are really just watching things, and because of all that uncertainty, it just makes our restaurants a little more nervous because they aren't going to know what it looks like until this comes and goes," said Stacy Roof, president and CEO of the Kentucky Restaurant Association.

Restaurant owners say all-inclusive food and drink packages at Churchill Downs are also impacting business, reducing the likelihood that customers will dine out before or after the races.

"It affects every dining, evening and day, because there is just not a desire to eat afterwards," Grangier said.

Grangier employs about 250 people, many of whom count on a strong Oaks night with multiple table turnovers. This year, he expects fewer tables.

"We're addressing it to the degree we can, but certainly not accepting — or it is accepting and acknowledging — but it's painful still," he said.

The uncertainty is also making it difficult for restaurants to plan staffing and inventory. Even reservations may not guarantee business.

"Just because there is a reservation — and maybe there is a reservation policy in place — it doesn't mean that the guest will show, and that server is going to make their tip income and that restaurant is going to sell that food," Roof said.

Grangier said that by this time in previous years, his restaurants would typically be close to fully booked. This year, that hasn't been the case.

"The reality doesn't really sink in until definitely that night or the day after," he said.

Despite the concerns, some restaurants still have availability heading into Oaks, and owners say last-minute cancellations are possible. Others have decided to close altogether for the day.

The full impact of the schedule change likely won't be clear until after the races conclude.