New restaurant east of Lexington plans to tap love of nature ... and gourmet hot dogs?
If you enjoy a drive or bike ride into the beautiful countryside around Lexington for a meal and a drink, there’s a new “destination restaurant” to put on your dining map.
Boonedogs Bar and Restaurant will be opening around the end of October at 5902 Old Richmond Rd., near Jacks Creek Pike, on the way to Raven Run Nature Sanctuary.
Tim Jones, co-owner along with his wife, Jessica, and Hilary and Charlotte Boone, said they’ve already been contacted by several cycling clubs who want to make it a place to start or finish a ride.
Jones was co-host of Discovery Channel’s “Moonshiners: Whiskey Business” and has appeared on “Moonshiners: Master Distiller” and “Ride with Norman Reedus.” He’s also the founder and CEO of Gents Original Cocktail Mix and sodas and has been featured on podcasts including Bourbon Pursuit, Southern Fried Philosophy, Bourbon Life and The Backpack Show.
He also is executive creative director at Cornett and has worked with bourbon brands and distilleries, including Buffalo Trace and Castle & Key.
Now the bourbon expert is diving into the restaurant industry.
“We are taking about page out of Windy Corner’s book, or even Miguel’s Pizza (in the Red River Gorge),” Tim Jones said of the Kentucky restaurants that are a bit off the beaten path but have no trouble attracting a following.
“We will be centered around a casual meal and a good time,” he said.
Just outside Lexington proper amid scenic horse farms, including the Boone family’s Wimbledon Farm, Boonedogs also will be a package store that can sell bottles of bourbon, and cases of wine and beer.
The menu will be a “dressed up” take on hot dogs, something that he said Lexington was missing but is trending across the country.
Think Red Top Dogs in Louisville, Senate in Cincinnati, or Jeff’s Gourmet Sausage Factory in Los Angeles, he said.
They plan to offer lots of creative toppings along with superior buns and meats, as well as artisan sausages made from ingredients such as wild boar, pheasant and elk.
There also will be vegetarian/vegan options such as the Beyond sausages and burgers and salads.
Lexington chef Wyatt Sarbacker (Favor) is helping to craft the menu and restaurant designer Rebecca Burnworth (Crank & Boom, Buddha Lounge, The Stave) is in charge of turning the former gas station/convenience store into a place people want to hang out, especially once the COVID pandemic has eased.
The restaurant will be casual, with outdoor seating (indoor seating will be coming in cooler weather) and a bar.
There will be a covered deck on about an acre, with plenty of parking. The building’s four garage-style doors can raise up, and one will be used as a pick-up window for to-go orders, he said.
“We’re trying to build convenience in for the folks that live in the area,” Jones said. “It will be a really fun environment.”
And an easy trip for people who are hiking at Raven Run or enjoying Jacobson Park. “We want to be a nice destination,” he said. “Come take a ride.”
This story was originally published September 17, 2020 at 10:42 AM.
