Louisville entrepreneurs are always thinking up new ways to improve the city’s small business scene. Here’s a sampling of a few new businesses that have come across my radar recently. Know of another new business? Post it in the comments.
- Hillbilly Tea: Not sure of the details of this one, but it sounds like a great addition to Downtown at 120 South First Street. Twitter says they have desserts and its (not yet fully functional) web site bills itself as a “trendy tea cafe in the heart of Downtown” (they also have their own Twitter and here’s a menu). As part of their grand opening, you can get a free ice tea and cookies with a food purchase. Anyone been there yet?
- Hudson Home: Nulu now has a “green” home furnishings store located at 806 East Market Street selling new and vintage pieces. Business First recently ran a blurb about them and you can get more info at their web site.
- Papalino’s NY Pizzeria: It’s been open a little while, but this new pizza place at 949 Baxter Avenue looks pretty good. I’m always a fan of a pizza place that sells by the slice and is open late. Check out their website for directions and a menu.
- Turtle Blossom: An organic foods market and juice bar is setting up shop next door to the Makery at 1570 Bardstown Road. Consuming Louisville broke the story and it looks like another win for Louisville. It’s the outgrowth of Turtle Blossom Produce, a food supplier to local restaurants and markets. Among their selection will be eggs from owner Brad’s Shelby County farm. Stay in touch via their Twitter.
- Acorn Apparel: A new vintage clothing store opened at 981 Barret Avenue just down from the Nitty Gritty. They carry clothes, accessories, and gear from the “Victorian era through 1980s vintage.” More info. can be found on their Facebook page.
- Hound Dog Press: Located at 309 East Market Street, this letterpress shop offers custom invitations, announcements, greeting cards, and stationery. They also create posters by hand using 19th century equipment to create a distinct look. They are celebrating their grand opening tomorrow at the Trolley Hop after a move from the Mellwood Arts Center.
- Oxenrose Home: A new design shop offering new and vintage furniture and accessories located at 623 Baxter Avenue. A quote from their website says, “This ain’t your grandma’s furniture store, but that might be her old chair refinished in a glossy black.” Lighting and original artwork is also available.
- The Black Spring: Situated 3017 River Road just east of Zorn Avenue, this new bike and coffee shop specializes in used bikes and repair. They opened in 2009, but never held a grand opening. Besides bike sales and repair, you can purchase gear, wear, consignment, coffee, and other beverages. Check out their blog-style website for more info.
- Vic’s Classic Bikes: Preston Street north of Eastern Parkway has a new vintage road bike destination. Located at 2016 South Preston Street, the bike shop features a constantly changing inventory of restored 1970s and 1980s bikes. Check their website and their blog for more info.
There must be others, right? What did I miss?
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Branden founded Broken Sidewalk in 2008 while practicing architecture in Louisville. He continued the site for seven years while living in New York City, returning to Louisville in 2016. Branden is a graduate of the College of Architecture at Washington University in St. Louis, and has covered architecture, design, and urbanism for The Architect's Newspaper, Designers & Books, Inhabitat, and the American Institute of Architects.
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There is also a new design shop on Baxter Avenue in Irish Hill called oxenrose. They specialize in re-purposed, new, and vintage home furnishings. They also have lighting and original art. Check out thier website at http://www.oxenrosehome.com for more info.
It should also be noted that since the opening of Papalinos, the Wick’s pizza down the block has begun serving pizza by the slice. Feeling the competiton a bit, maybe?
Thanks for the info on oxenrose, Jonathan. Added it to the list.
Competition sounds like a good thing in this case by bringing innovation. Single slices of pizza are the best.
Keep Louisville Weird
I visited Hilly Billie Tea today when going into the Bike Couriers Bike Shop on Market and they gave me some tea for free. I must say it was really good and sweet – and I wish them good luck trying to stay open downtown. They’re going to need it.
You might also want to mention Vick’s Classic Bikes on Preston near Sunergos. Although they opened back in November(?), they are a part of the 4 or 5 shops that have opened in the past two years. The other ones are Parkside Bike and Boutique, two Bike Couriers Bike Shops (Clifton and U of L), and The Black Spring.
Thanks, Brent. I’m glad to see the Preston Street corridor around Sunergos taking shape. That area could really be something special.
I think First Street is going to benefit quite a bit from the arena and other businesses opening up around there. It’s been a difficult spot in the past, but perhaps we’re reaching a critical mass of business. (Now we need more people living there.)
Thanks as well for the heads up about the Black Spring. I hadn’t heard about them yet. Added them to the post.
You should add Elizabeth Hills – a fascinating, quirky “home” shop at 805 East Market Street. The store is one huge curio cabinet filled with sophisticated antiques and hand crafted finds from all over. Even window shopping is fun if you catch them closed. They opened Christmas 2009.
Joe Davola's! It's a new sandwich, salad, and soup place on the corner of Breckinridge St. and Barrett Ave. It's been hailed by several of Louisville's food critics and, supposedly, Jim James of My Morning Jacket has even stopped in a couple of times.
Sweet n Savory, the breakfast cafe next to Cumberland Brewery, is now a full service restaurant called Fleur de Lis. I had it last night as was best meal I have had in a long time. Very creative and delicious menu.
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20100501/S… link on courierjournal about Fleur de Lis Cafe