In 1967, Cap, who by now was getting on in years, sold the business to four restaurateurs. They stayed in the business for less than a year before selling out entirely to John Morat. In 1969, Mr. Morat sold the corporation to three businessmen: Mr. J. W. Smith, Mr. C. B. Shaaber, and Mr. D. R. Felker.
In 1981 the Cunningham’s tradition was transferred to Don George and Family. Unfortunately, a massive fire destroyed the restaurant on July 28, 2001. This brought an end to the Fifth and Breckenridge location after 131 years.
Accompanied by a great deal of excitement and anticipation, Cunningham’s was reborn on March 23, 2003, directly across from another Louisville landmark, The Louisville Palace, at 630 South 4th Street.
The tradition continued when Cunningham’s expanded into the former building of another Louisville restaurant legend, Bus Parsons. Mr. Parsons operated his popular restaurant, River Creek Inn on Harrods Creek from 1965 to 1991. After Mr. Parsons retired from the restaurant business in 1991, the restaurant was operated by a couple of groups until it was destroyed by a flood in 1998. The restaurant was purchased, renovated, and reopened by Ward Plauche in 1999. Brothers Joey & Brent George purchased the restaurant and Cunningham’s Creekside was born in May of 2006.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this brief history of Cunningham’s and also hope you enjoy your meal. If you have any comments or suggestions, please let us know. The goal of this restaurant is to provide the best food and service at the lowest possible price, a tradition we have upheld since 1870.
“WE’RE GLAD YOU’RE HERE!” ~ Brent George