On behalf of Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse Louisville, representing over 100 dedicated local team members, we wish to express admiration for Churchill Downs’ bold decision to elevate the Kentucky Oaks with NBC and Peacock coverage. This primetime exposure further cements the Derby’s stature and the city’s global appeal.
That said, the rescheduling of Oaks Day has had immediate consequences for Louisville’s entire hospitality ecosystem. Coming off years of pandemic stress, inflation, economic headwinds, and civil unrest, local restaurants remain fragile.
Jeff Ruby’s is not alone: downtown Louisville supports a rich tapestry of hospitality businesses—ranging from fine dining to casual spots—and offers hundreds of tables across approximately 150‑plus establishments in the Central Business District alone. The current shift has generated widespread operator concerns that we know will impact revenue and spirits across the board.
For Jeff Ruby’s, Oaks Day has traditionally been the highest revenue generator of the year—supporting our staff of 100 and enabling us to invest in our team, suppliers, and local community. Oaks Day provides a much-needed critical surge. Our restaurant is living theater, and it becomes a melting pot where people with diverse cultures and backgrounds from around the world coalesce for the same reason: to celebrate life in an extraordinary city—Louisville, Kentucky. The reality is, their experience exceeds their expectations.
Our guests mingle with horse racing’s preeminent owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys, and even dignitaries from Churchill Downs’ leadership team. They take photos with movie stars, rock stars, sports stars, and statesmen. They dance to some of America’s most renowned country music artists—who perform on our stage simply because they want to.
This is an audience that has met everyone from Michael Jordan to the King of Jordan—unified by one thing in common: they are all here to have a good time.
But next year, diminished guest volume will undercut that support at a critical time.
We firmly support Churchill Downs’ mission to evolve the Derby experience, but we believe a growth-oriented strategy should incorporate local restaurants and hotels as genuine partners. Together—instead of in isolation—we can develop programming, shared promotions, VIP experiences, and coordinated scheduling that preserve Oaks Day’s cultural heritage, showcase Louisville’s hospitality, and benefit all stakeholders.
We propose establishing a working group of local restaurant leaders and Churchill Downs representatives to exchange feedback, data, and promotional opportunities. This collaborative model can help restore Oaks Day to its legacy as a vibrant celebration for visitors and local businesses alike—placing Louisville’s traditions and generosity at center stage.
Jeff Ruby’s is proud to contribute to Louisville’s reputation as a premier culinary and hospitality destination. When Louisville thrives, so do we. We welcome the opportunity to partner in the planning and promotion of future Oaks Days to ensure the benefits of Derby weekend are shared citywide.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse Louisville