Although F&D tries to keep abreast of the movement in the local restaurant world, events sometimes escape our eagle eyes. The closing in February of one of Old Louisville’s classic eateries is one of those misses. But the sad news has been mixed with the possibility of the iconic building at Third and Oak to re-open again.
As reported in the Courier-Journal, D. Nalley’s, the long-standing diner at 970 S. 3rd St. closed in early February, but may reopen soon under a new operator.
The redoubtable little building, with its unchanging Formica counter and its slightly tattered, well-used booths, has been a fixture in Old Louisville for a half-century, operated by the family of Darrell Nalley. Darrell Nalley, J.r took over operation of the business from his father several years ago, but recently has had difficulty in getting help, the C-J article reported.
Now the Nalley family is negotiating with a tenant who will take over the business and run it under a lease with the family, which will continue to own the property, along with its customer parking lot. Nalley Sr. said the plan is for the new owner to reopen the diner shortly, with largely the same type of operation.
The many fans of the throwback to the 1950s hope that the deal will work out.
