LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A Louisville-based nonprofit, Apron Inc., is providing much-needed support to local restaurants along the Ohio River that were forced to close due to devastating flooding this week. At least eight or nine restaurants have been impacted by the rising waters, including well-known establishments such as River Road BBQ, KingFish, River House, The Pine Room, and Harrods Creek Tavern. The closures have left between 100 to 125 employees without work.
Krissy Davis, the owner of River Road BBQ, described the situation as overwhelming and painful. “To say it’s overwhelming is an understatement,” Davis said. “It hurts. It’s painful. It doesn’t get easier with each flood, but this is the worst we’ve ever seen.”
This marks the second time in just a few months that Apron Inc. has stepped in to help restaurant workers affected by flooding. In February, the nonprofit assisted employees at Captain’s Quarters when similar flooding forced them out of work. At that time, the nonprofit provided grants of approximately $750 per week to affected workers. However, this latest round of flooding is expected to have an even larger impact, with Apron Inc. anticipating the floodwaters could persist for up to 10 days or longer. As a result, the nonprofit is offering larger grants of around $1,000 to help workers stay afloat during the prolonged closure.
Gary Fox, president of Apron Inc., emphasized the scale of the current flooding. “This time around, I think this is going to be a longer session with the flooding,” Fox said. “I imagine it’s going to be at least a week, if not 10 days. So I think we’re going to be doing larger grants, around $1,000 or so.”
The floodwaters have caused significant damage, particularly for businesses along River Road. Photos taken throughout the week show the dramatic rise in water levels. On Sunday, the water reached the seats of the picnic benches outside River Road BBQ. By Monday, it had risen to the windows, and by Wednesday, it was nearly up to the red awning of the restaurant. Davis mentioned that once the waters recede, the cleanup will be a huge task, involving pressure washing and drying out the restaurant with dehumidifiers.
On the opposite side of the river in Jeffersonville, Harry’s Taphouse and Kitchen has been spared from flooding, but one of its employees lives in Utica, a nearby town that has been heavily affected. The employee’s home is currently submerged under six feet of water. Harry’s Taphouse has been doing what it can to assist the employee but also credited Apron Inc. for its continued support.
James Corbin, co-owner of Harry’s Taphouse, praised the nonprofit for its efforts to support restaurant workers. “It’s a really great organization that has stepped in and has said okay just ‘cause you work for a locally owned restaurant, we care about you, too,” Corbin said.
Once the floodwaters subside and the restaurants are able to reopen, business owners and workers will need the community’s support to recover. “I can’t imagine what they’re going through, but my heart goes out to those guys and just stay strong,” Corbin added. “And again, when they are able to open, I hope everyone goes over and supports them, because they’re going to need every bit of it.”
As these restaurants navigate the challenges of flooding, community support, including efforts by Apron Inc., will be crucial in helping them reopen and rebuild.
