A HISTORY OF FOOD
AND FAMILY
Bluegrass Hospitality Group (BHG) was co-founded by Brian McCarty and Bruce Drake in 1998. Housing 6 unique concepts, BHG has grown to be the premier restaurant group in Lexington, KY. The individual restaurant concepts include Malone’s, Malone’s Prime Events & Receptions, Harry’s, Aqua Sushi, Drake’s, and OBC Kitchen. Located in Lexington are (3) Malone’s, (2) Harry’s, Malone’s Prime Events & Receptions, and OBC Kitchen. Aqua Sushi is located in each of the Malone’s in Lexington. In addition, Aqua Sushi is located inside each of the twelve Drake’s restaurants located in Lexington, Louisville, Florence, and Nicholasville (Kentucky), Bristol, Chattanooga, Franklin and Knoxville (Tennessee), Indianapolis (Indiana), Burlington (North Carolina), and Huntsville (Alabama).
Bluegrass Hospitality Group employs over 1300 team members. Though each concept is unique, the motto remains the same, “100% guest satisfaction, 100% of the time.”
Travel through the BHG story:
1994
Regatta opens at Lexington Green
1998
BHG opens first Malone's location in Lansdowne Shoppes 
1999
Malone's Banquets opens at Malone's in Lansdowne Shoppes 
2000
BHG opens Damon's in Hamburg 
2000
Oscar's opens in Lansdowne Shoppes next to Malone's 
2003
Sal's Chophouse opens in Lansdowne Shoppes 
2003
Malone's Banquets moves to upstairs space above Sal's 
2003
Harry's opens in Lansdowne Shoppes 
2004
Harry's is added to Damon's in Hamburg 
2005
The Club Room opens at Malone's Lansdowne 
2005
Malone's and Aqua Sushi replace Damon's in Hamburg 
2007
Harry's and Sal's Patios added to Sal's 
2007
Harry's Patio is added to Malone's Hamburg 
2008
Malone's and Harry's open at Palomar Center 
2009
Drake's replaces Oscar's and Malone's Club Room 
2010
Boathouse patio bar opens at Regatta in Lexington Green 
2011
Drake's opens in Louisville, KY (St. Matthews) 
2011
Drake's opens in Franklin, TN (Cool Springs) 
2011
Drake's opens second Louisville location (Paddock Shops) 
2012
Drake's opens in Huntsville, AL 
2012
Drake's opens in Indianapolis, IN 
2013
Drake's opens in Florence, KY 
2014
OBC Kitchen opens in Lansdowne replacing Harry's 
2015
MEATS BBQ MKT opens in Lansdowne Shoppes, replacing Harry's /Sal's patio 
2015
Aqua at the 90 opens on University of Kentucky campus 
2016
Drake's opens in Knoxville, TN 
2016
Malone's Prime Events & Receptions (formerly Malone's Banquets) expands to first floor to replace Sal's and Meats 
2018
Drake's opens in Bristol, TN 
2018
Drake's opens in Nicholasville, KY 
2019
Drake’s opens in Chattanooga, TN 
2019
Drake’s opens in Burlington, NC 
BRUCE DRAKE
Bruce is originally from Kentucky. After graduating college, he lived in several large cities but always found his way back. “You’d be hard pressed to find another city like Lexington. Take the rich history and culture of Keeneland and Lexington’s equine industry, add a bustling University and top that off with the world’s best bourbon all in a 75 mile radius of the city and you get a community full of people passionate about their home.” Lexington was the city of choice for Bruce and his wife Melinda to raise their three boys, Jack, Wade and Johnny Bruce.
During free time, you’re likely to find Bruce on the golf course. It allows him to be outdoors, stay active and participate in a little friendly competition.
BRIAN MCCARTY
Lexington, often referred by him as ‘Relaxington,’ is home to Brian and his family. From beautiful horse farms and walking trails to athletics, arts and live entertainment, Lexington has something for everyone. It is here he and his wife, Katherine, have raised their three beautiful daughters: Mary Katherine, Sara Jane and Martha Lee.
In his free time, Brian enjoys traveling. In addition to seeing new places, he enjoys experiencing something he is most passionate about… remarkable food and over-the-top hospitality, two things he is known for sharing with friends and guests alike for many years.
