Southern Hospitality
We all know Murphy’s Law – anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. That’s how Reese Gardner sometimes felt when he was opening his latest restaurant in Ashburn – Juleps Kentucky Tavern.
“I picked out a green which I thought was perfect,” said Gardner, talking about the vision meant to evoke the rolling green hills of the Bluegrass State. “My son and I were going out of town for a few days. When we got back, the contractor had finished [painting] the entire place and it looked like a disaster. The green was so bright. It was awful. I had to laugh it off and repaint the entire place.”
Juleps Kentucky Tavern opened in January in the Loudoun Station development off Shellhorn Road. It’s the latest establishment from Gardner, who previously operated the Copperwood Tavern at One Loudoun. Over the years, the serial restaurateur has developed a fondness for taverns. He also owns and operates two others – Nettie’s in Arlington and Olde Dominion in Haymarket.
“Taverns create a gathering place where everyone in the community can come together,” he said. “Whether you’re with your kids, neighbors, or just need that alone time with your favorite barstool.”…