Our Story
Everyone has red letter moments in their lives.
High on Brian McCarty’s list is his first bite of genuine, honest to goodness USDA Prime Beef at a steakhouse in Chicago in 1998.
You might say it changed his life.
Because the first thing he said, when he could speak, was, “This is the best beef on the planet. Can I get it in Lexington?”
The answer at the time was, “No”.
So Brian and business partner Bruce Drake opened a steakhouse called Malone’s and the rest is history.
Today their Bluegrass Hospitality Group serves up their signature over the top hospitality at five original concepts: Malone’s Prime Beef steakhouse; Sal’s Chophouse, both casual and sophisticated; Harry’s Bar and Grill, a favorite haunt of the horsey set; Aqua Sushi, the freshest in town; and of course, Drake’s. A handsomely appointed Malone’s Banquets facility serves groups from 10 to 350 in style. The group’s portfolio also includes a Texas Roadhouse franchise and a Regatta Seafood Grille.
BRIAN MCCARTY
- Operating Owner, Bluegrass Hospitality Group
- Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky
- Profession: Guest satisfaction
- Operating Principle: “Go hard or go home.”
- Wall Paper: Business Management degree from Curry College, Boston; MBA from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland
- Cool Move: Starting McCarty Cards at age 14.
- Cooler Move: Making it the second largest sports memorabilia company in the USA (42 employees, $5 million annual sales) by buying up all the Wrigley Field stadium seats.
- Hobbies: Traveling and trend spotting
BRUCE DRAKE
- Operating Owner, Bluegrass Hospitality Group
- Hometown: Utica, Kentucky
- Profession: Manager of 850 employees
- Operating Principle: “What comes around goes around.”
- Wall Paper: Hospitality Management degree from Western Kentucky University
- Cool Move: Managed L&N Seafood Restaurants nationwide for the Morrison’s chain.
- Cooler Move: Opening his own Regatta Seafood Grille with partner Robert Langley in 1994. Then increasing sales 10% every year.
- Hobby: Golf
