Louvino expanding concept with second location in Middletown

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A popular restaurant on Bardstown Road is expanding into a second location and more things are coming with it. New concepts will be explored with the second Louvino restaurant.

Expectations soared when Louvino opened on Bardstown Road in July.

"We're really gangbusters even throughout the winter, which is typically slow for the restaurant industry," said Chad Coulter, owner.

Louvino owner Chad Coulter says their small plates, big wines concept is a hit with everyone. On an average Saturday night, they might see 250 customers and Sunday brunch overflows.

"We started off really strong (with Sunday brunch) and then it started to slack a little, and then we introduced our bottomless mimosas for $10, the floodgates opened yet again," Coulter laughed.

Coulter felt the need for a second plate. From the hip Highlands -- to quaint Main Street in Middletown.

"We feel we should go to where our key demographic is, in the Middletown, Lake Forest, Anchorage area," Coulter explained.

The lot is near Shelbyville Road and Blankenbaker and is big for a reason.

"So it'll be us and then hopefully another restaurant tenant that anchors the other side and then hopefully like a dessert place or bakery or boutique retail in the middle," Coulter explained.

Coulter will own the property, and rent out the remaining spaces.

The second Louvino will have the same menu overall.

"We'll probably add two to three larger, family style portions to the menu, we're starting to experiment with wine-based cocktails, here, we'll be releasing those in the next few weeks."

Coulter says the new location will be larger, with an "epic" patio.

"We'll have a private dining space, we have a lot of people who want to have a rehearsal dinner or bachelorette party or something."

Many customers will wait hours to try Louvino, but at the new location reservations are being considered for even a wine night for two.

"I go back and forth everyday like, should we do them, should we do half," said Coulter.

He hopes to start construction in September and anticipates the opening to be in February.