A Frankfort dining institution apparently will be closing for good next month.
Jim’s Seafood & Steaks, 950 Wilkinson Blvd., announced on social media that the restaurant, which overlooks the Kentucky River at Lock and Dam #4, has been sold to nearby bourbon distiller Buffalo Trace.
Sign up for our LexGo Eat & Drink newsletters
The latest on food, dining and bourbon delivered right to your inbox for free. See what's happening in the world of bourbon, including buying, tasting tips and more on Tuesday. Stick around for the biggest restaurant news in Central Kentucky on Thursday. Sign up here.
Jim’s Seafood has been known for its fresh fish as well as fried banana pepper rings and Kentucky favorites such as the Hot Brown.
The restaurant will continue to operate as usual through Oct. 13, according to a post by owner Gary Arnold.
Jim’s Seafood overlooking the Kentucky River in Frankfort, Ky., Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021. Jim’s has been in operation for over 35 years and is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Alex Slitz aslitz@herald-leader.com
Khalil Bishop, clockwise from lower left, Chris Powell, Lyle Turner, all of Frankfort, Ky., and Owen Bennett, of Owenton, Ky., joke while eating dinner at Jim’s Seafood in Frankfort, Ky., Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021. Alex Slitz aslitz@herald-leader.com
“From all the staff at Jim’s Seafood & Steaks, we want to say Thank You to all of our guests for the continued support throughout the last 50 years of serving Frankfort, Ky.,” the restaurant said on the post. “To our regulars, (who have become Friends) you will be missed and we appreciate your support.”
House made crab cakes served with remoulade and garnished with cilantro at Jim’s Seafood in Frankfort, Ky., Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021. Alex Slitz aslitz@herald-leader.com
The Mix and Match dinner platter with whitefish, gulf shrimp. frog legs, fried oysters, clam strips and hush puppies, served with a baked potato and cole slaw at Jim’s Seafood in Frankfort, Ky., Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021. Alex Slitz aslitz@herald-leader.com
He said the restaurant will take gift cards through Oct. 13, but they cannot be exchanged for cash reimbursement. Reservations for parties of 10 or more will be limited to Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Arnold said in the post that they wouldn’t comment on what Buffalo Trace plans to do with the property.
Buffalo Trace issued a statement: “Buffalo Trace Distillery is always looking into opportunities that support the growth of our business and local community. We can confirm there have been discussions with the owners of Jim’s Seafood, but the Distillery is not able to comment further until a deal is finalized.”
Janet Patton covers restaurants, bars, food and bourbon for the Herald-Leader. She is an award-winning business reporter who also has covered agriculture, gambling, horses and hemp.Support my work with a digital subscription
Get one year of unlimited digital access for $159.99
