Silver Dollar Gets New Owner

Note: This story was first published at FredMinnick.com.

When it opened in 2011, Louisville’s The Silver Dollar quickly became a go-to stop for whiskey lovers visiting bourbon Mecca.

But as was the case with so many businesses, the Covid-19 pandemic was a setback, and the honky tonk bar ran into some difficult times. The signature “Whiskey by the Drink” sign that hangs over the entrance on the old red building now shows a patina that reflects the wear and tear the world tends to inflict.

But new owner Brian Downing, a spirits industry veteran, promises to restore the shine to The Silver Dollar’s star, even as that surface patina reflects survival.

Set in one of the oldest intact firehouses in America, the bar oozes character. The building dates to 1890 and originally was home to Louisville’s Hook and Ladder Co. No. 3. In fact, the firehouse was still being used as the oldest operating firehouse in the U.S. until a new firehouse was constructed nearby (the fire pole once used by Louisville firefighters is still in place).

The historic building located in Louisville’s cozy Clifton neighborhood was named after lawyer and politician Albert A. Stoll – his name is still reflected on the entrance. And once it ceased operating as a firehouse, it became an ideal spot for a restaurant concept. Downing believes it still is, going so far as to leave a distilling job in the Pacific Northwest to move back to Louisville to revive the business.

“This place wasn’t broken,” Downing said. “It was just overlooked and neglected. For this place to stay open, things needed to change.”

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