A HISTORY OF FOOD AND FAMILY

Bluegrass Hospitality Group (BHG) was co-founded by Brian McCarty and Bruce Drake in 1998. The restaurant group includes 6 unique concepts including Malone’s, Malone’s Prime Events & Receptions, Harry’s, Drake’s, Aqua Sushi and OBC Kitchen. Located in Lexington, Kentucky are (3) Malone’s, (2) Harry’s, (3) Drake’s, Malone’s Prime Events & Receptions, and OBC Kitchen. Malone’s, Harry’s and Malone’s Prime Events & Receptions is also located in Louisville, Kentucky. Aqua Sushi is offered in each of the Bluegrass Hospitality Group restaurants, including all Drake’s restaurants located in Lexington, Louisville, Florence, Nicholasville and Owensboro (Kentucky), Bristol, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Cookeville, Franklin and Knoxville (Tennessee), Indianapolis and Evansville (Indiana), Shiloh (Illinois), O’Fallon (Missouri), Burlington (North Carolina), and Huntsville (Alabama).
Bluegrass Hospitality Group employs over 3000 team members. Though each concept is unique, the motto remains the same, “100% guest satisfaction, 100% of the time.”

Travel through the BHG story

2016

Malone’s Prime Events & Receptions (formerly Malone’s Banquets) expands to first floor to replace Sal’s and Meats

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

2004

Harry’s is added to Damon’s in 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

2013

Drake’s opens in Florence, KY

2014

OBC Kitchen opens in Lansdowne replacing Harry’s

2000

Oscar’s opens in Lansdowne Shoppes next to Malone’s

2000

BHG opens Damon’s in Hamburg

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

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

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

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

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

2019

Drake’s opens in Owensboro, KY

2019

Drake’s Hamburg opens in Lexington, KY

2020

Drake’s opens in O’Fallon, IL

2020

Drake’s opens in Evansville, IN

2021

Drake’s opens in Clarksville, TN

2021

Malone’s & Harry’s opens in Louisville, KY

2021

Drake’s Hurstbourne opens in Louisville, KY

2022

Drake’s Leestown opens in Lexington, KY

2023

Drake’s opens in Jeffersonville, IN

2023

Drake’s opens in O’Fallon, MO

2023

Drake’s opens in Cookeville, TN

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, Sarah 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.