HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – A beloved restaurant in Hopkinsville has handed the reins over to new owners who plan to keep all the parts that people love, while using their business experience and creativity to attract new people.
“We are going to keep things the same because we’ve got local people that love the restaurant, especially the steaks,” says Durango Mendez, one of the new owners. “I’ve always wanted an Italian restaurant.”
Novadell Steakhouse has been open in Hopkinsville since 2001. The location used to serve as a country club for a preexisting golf course, but it now only functions as a restaurant. The previous owners decided to step away and focus on other businesses they own.
Mendez and his business partner Orlando Coxaj launched as the new owners at the beginning of November. The two have already established themselves as successful business owners in Hopkinsville with their popular food truck and restaurant Tacos El Papi.
Mendez has ideas to bring in better quality steaks, and eventually expand into catering for weddings. They are also simultaneously working on opening a restaurant in town called Giovanni’s Steakhouse, which should open at the end of December.
“This was actually my dream come true,” Mendez said. “We started talking to the owner and he says ‘Hey, you want to take over?’ And I was thinking in the beginning that he was joking, and I said Yes! I like the restaurant, I like the building, I like the people. … He said I’d be perfect for the restaurant. It’s like a dream.”
Mendez is originally from Mexico, and he has lived in Hopkinsville for the last 20 years, while his partner has roots in Guatemala. Although their experience with Italian food is new, their passion for cooking and connection to the community inspires them to move forward.
Novadell Steakhouse is at 500 Novadell Way. For more, call 270-632-1448 or visit the Novadell website.
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