Eater Young Guns Duo Plan a New Italian Hotspot For Louisville

2015 Eater Young Gun and HiCotton Hospitality founder Ryan Rogers is planning to open a new restaurant in Louisville by the end of 2016. Rogers, who runs popular eateries Feast BBQ and Royals Hot Chicken, will partner with chef Andrew McCabe for a new Italian-inspired concept bar Vetti, heading to the ground floor of the iconic 800 Tower City Apartments revamp, which is currently undergoing a major $11 million overhaul downtown.

Bar Vetti will operate in the sense of an old school Italian bar, with casual counter service for espresso, breakfast, lunch, or an apéritif along with outdoor/indoor table service at dinner. The 1800-square-foot space will offer 50 seats inside and 55 seats on a patio.

As for the food and beverage, co-owner/chef McCabe rocks some serious credentials— current chef of Royals Hot Chicken,  alum of Proof on Main and Harvest, Chicago’s Blackbird and L20, and also an Eater Young Gun back in 2013. He plans to offer wood-fired pizzas, housemade pastas, and seasonal entrees and small plates.

The bar will feature a curated wine program, bourbon and Italian apéritifs and digestifs, naturally.

If you’re wondering about the restaurant’s name, a press release notes:

bar Vetti is a tribute to the rebirth of the 800 Tower as The House of Vettii in Italy is one of Pompeii’s most famous homes. When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD the city was destroyed and the home was buried by ash and rubble. The excavation of the home nearly two thousand years later revealed marble statues, marvelous wall frescos, and an ornate garden.

Expect a winter opening.