A new restaurant group has formed and their first project will be 1816 Modern Kitchen and Drinks at 100 E Chestnut in Corydon  Co-owner Bobby Bass said it is just the first of several projects for Southern Hospitality, which he co-owns with wife Ysha Bass, Levi Donaldson and Rod Juarez. The group plans to open this new modern kitchen mid-July.

“The previous owner ran a pizza parlor there, so we’ll definitely be changing out the equipment and decor,” said Bass. “This is exciting because when people in Corydon want a great dining experience, they currently have to go to New Albany.”

Chef Scott Dickenson puts on a cooking demo.

The new spot will feature a modern “bourbon lounge” vibe with barrel heads, exposed brick and hues of browns and reds. There won’t be a bar according to Executive Chef Scott Dickenson, but the table servers will have plenty of food and cocktail knowledge, serving up basic drinks and a few housemade cocktails. The menu will feature a variety of dishes with a focus on comfort.

“They’re all dishes I’ve done before that I’ve been really happy with,” said Dickinson. “I love creating different spins on classic dishes and really just love food and want to give people what I would enjoy eating.

Some of his dishes include shrimp and grits, pork belly General Tso’s, smoked venison spaghetti and meatballs, and Scotch eggs made with in house green chorizo. Prices will range from about $12 to $21.