Lexington, Kentucky — Belle’s Cocktail House, a popular bourbon bar located at 156 Market St., has officially changed ownership following more than a decade of operation. The bar first opened its doors in October 2013 and was co-founded by Seth Thompson, Robert Eidson, Justin Thompson, and Larry Redmon.
The new ownership team consists of Stephen Scaldaferri, a former University of Kentucky football player, and Jason Curtsinger, who has been with Belle’s for ten years and served as general manager for seven. They acquired the venue after the previous owners decided to sell the business to pursue other opportunities.
Curtsinger announced that they will maintain the bar’s name, which pays homage to the legendary Lexington madam Belle Brezing, believed to have inspired the character of Belle Watling in Gone With the Wind. He stated that the focus will be on enhancing the establishment’s reputation as a cocktail house, emphasizing the fresh ingredients used in their drinks.
The ownership transition will see minimal operational changes. Belle’s will continue to operate weekly from Thursday to Saturday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. and will also accommodate events on additional days. According to Curtsinger, the existing staff will remain, ensuring continuity for loyal patrons.
Adding to the bar’s rich history, it underwent significant repairs after being damaged in a fire in August 2018 but successfully reopened the following month. The previous owners expressed a sense of nostalgia in their farewell, with Justin Thompson recalling how patrons have forged memorable connections at Belle’s over the years.
Trailblazers in the local bourbon scene, the former owners are also publishers of The Bourbon Review magazine and have faced prior legal challenges unrelated to Belle’s. Notably, Justins’ House of Bourbon, co-owned by Justin Thompson, settled a case involving vintage spirits earlier this year but had no connection to Belle’s operations.
As Belle’s Cocktail House enters this new chapter under Scaldaferri and Curtsinger, they aim to reinvigorate the beloved venue while staying true to its roots in Lexington’s vibrant nightlife. The establishment has carved a place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike, and the new team is determined to uphold that legacy.
