These KY Restaurants Were on Food Network -- Now They're Closed

Food Network stars have spent a lot of time in Kentucky, but do those visits come with a curse? Here are some restaurants that have closed since their appearances.

LYNN'S PARADISE CAFE -- Louisville

Back in 2011, the Food Network spent some time at Lynn's Paradise Cafe and made the now-closed one-time Louisville staple the main focus of episodes of two different series. Alton Brown went to culinary heaven after diving into a Kentucky Hot Brown, naming it one of the best things he ever ate. And in July of that year, Lynn's breakfast menu stepped into the spotlight as Man vs. Food Nation indulged in Triple B French Toast.

In 2013, this announcement appeared on Facebook telling fans that Lynn was moving on to her next adventure:

J.J. MCBREWSTER'S -- Lexington

On a 2010 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives episode, Guy Fieri brought the crew to J.J. McBrewster's in Lexington for a heaping helping of the restaurant's smoked turkey and melon sauce. It was a signature dish at J.J. McBrewster's which closed in 2016.

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PARKETTE DRIVE-IN -- Lexington

Another Lexington joint, the iconic Parkette Drive-In, sadly ended its run in 2023. It was featured on a 2010 Triple D episode. I can't access a clip from that episode, but I did find this:

VIRGIL'S CAFE -- Bellevue

In 2011, house-smoked kielbasa (which sounds thoroughly amazing) brought Guy Fieri and the triple D team to Bellevue in northern Kentucky. According to the Virgil's Cafe website, which you can still access, the eatery specialized in Creole cooking, always homemade. It also utilized vegetables from its own garden. Unfortunately, Virgil's was only open for six and a half years, closing in 2015 with this announcement:

It is with heavy hearts that we let you know that Virgil’s Café has closed its doors. It has been a fantastic 6 ½ years & an honor to be a part of the Bellevue community. We greatly appreciate all the years you have allowed us to work with you & serve you. We greatly appreciate all the years you have allowed us to work with you & serve you. We have had many loyal guests, employees, & vendors as part of the Virgil’s family and truly value the lasting relationships we’ve made throughout our time here. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts & look forward to whatever the future may hold.

SMOKEY VALLEY TRUCK STOP -- Olive Hill

When Guy Fieri showed up at the Smokey Valley Truck Stop in Olive Hill, he and his team enjoyed more than just its signature coconut cream pie. The video of that appearance is no longer available, but you can check out an old promo for Smokey Valley and remember the good times...and good food.

Smokey Valley shut down in 2015 when the owner decided to retire after 42 years in business.

A Food Network appearance does not, apparently, bring with it the "magic touch." On the other hand, a majority of these restaurants closed their doors because the owners were ready to retire or seek a new adventure.

I guess, all in all, that's the BEST way to go out. On top.

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