Buffalo Trace Distillery announced plans to introduce an exciting new local tourism and dining destination at the distillery near downtown Frankfort. An existing building that currently operates as a gas station will be converted to support the venue. The new destination is expected to open in 2023.
“At Buffalo Trace Distillery we are always looking for ways to engage and inspire our visitors and residents of our local community alike,” said Sara Saunders, Vice President of Buffalo Trace Distillery. “As we look to the future, we’re committed to honoring the traditions of our 234-year history while also embracing change as we aim to invite even more whiskey lovers into our family. This exciting project does just that, and we are thrilled to be adding another quality dining and tourism destination for both Franklin County residents as well as the 400,000+ guests from around the world who visit our distillery each year.”
It is anticipated that the new destination will inject significant revenue into the local community, paving the way for the creation of new local jobs and serving as a strong tie-in to the downtown Frankfort redevelopment master plan.
“Our commonwealth’s world-famous bourbon industry is a vital component of our thriving agriculture ecosystem,” said Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Ryan Quarles. “We are thrilled to see the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery continue to expand through this exciting project that will showcase Kentucky Proud food and beverages to an even wider audience in the years to come.”
While specific plans are still being finalized, the destination will be constructed at the Fair Oaks Lane entrance to the distillery on the site of the existing BP gas station and convenience store, a property Buffalo Trace Distillery currently owns. Operations at the gas station will end in August 2022 with plans to break ground on the new venue to follow shortly thereafter.
“As a longtime Franklin County resident and business owner, I am thrilled to see our neighbor, Buffalo Trace Distillery, continuing to pour resources and new opportunities back into our growing community,” said Marc Stone, President of Stonebridge Hospitality, the area’s largest hotelier. “This new experience, available to visitors from across the globe who come right here to Franklin County, will encourage guests to spend more time here, a benefit to every local business.”
Company officials anticipate that groundbreaking for the new tourism and dining destination will take place in the fall of this year, with a grand opening target of summer 2023.
Full details about Buffalo Trace Distillery’s catalog of signature products and distinctive visitor experiences are available at BuffaloTraceDistillery.com.
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