John E's Closes- Auction Held

Louisville Residents Flock to John E’s Auction

After nearly 30 years of serving the Louisville community, John E’s restaurant has vanished from the local culinary scene.  Long-time employees and loyal customers alike were shocked when the restaurants owners abruptly announced its closing on February 1^st.  On Tuesday an auction was held to sell off the restaurant’s equipment and memorabilia.  Just like that, after three decades of popularity, John E’s was gone. 

The turnout for the auction was good as the crowd included bargain shoppers, sentimentalists, and former employees all coming to say their farewell to the iconic restaurant on Bardstown Road in Buechel.  Real estate speculators thought the property itself would remain vacant for some time as the local business community worried about the loss of yet another Louisville institution.

The owners cited a struggling economy, maintenance issues, and local competition as the reasons for closing.  It was a bitter end after 30 years of great memories for those living in Louisville, but at least many of them will be walking away with some great keepsakes.  Silverware, leather horses, stuffed ducks, and Derby memorabilia were just a few of the items that finding new homes with happy bidders Tuesday and as they walked out the door they took the last remnants of the John E’s era with them.