07/15/2026
Here’s the reason I’ve been gone from my social media so much the last 3 years. Not the hot rods….it’s what’s behind the hot rods. I’m now one of the owners of The B.A. Colonial Restaurant here in Louisville. I never expected to be involved with a restaurant, but I love its history and wanted to make sure it stays alive.
This property was originally Louisville’s first zoo. Lions, tigers, alligators - they had it all.
The zoo closed, the property changed hands and in 1938 B.A. Watson built this building and opened Colonial Gardens Restaurant.
Like most places, it had its glory days and then eventually closed and was in shambles by the early 2000’s.
The property was purchased by a local developer, restored, and The B.A. Colonial opened in 2021. COVID was brutal on a new restaurant and within 2 years it was facing closure.
That’s about the time I became involved.
We now have the inside full of hot rod stuff - especially local, Louisville hot rod history. We serve a mean smash burger, hand-dipped milkshakes, and a full menu of your favorite American comfort foods.
We’re about 3 miles from the Fairgrounds. If you find yourself in Louisville, come say hello!
Awesome photo credit to Britney Greer!
