We ended 2018 with some pretty great milestones. It seems like everything from our staff and our partnerships, to our customer base and products all grew in the right direction, and for that we are so grateful to be starting out 2019 with a bang. But the highlight for us was the opening of our first retail space to house Pappy & Company now online and in store in our hometown of Louisville, KY.

Like most things at Pappy & Company, the retail space began as a family vision, and with the help of our dad, Julian Van Winkle III, made the dream come true. We all knew there was an opportunity to find a location that could work as a multi-functional space to support our needs as a warehouse, office and retail store along with our sister’s interior design business Chenault James Interiors and maybe even the occasional party or private event too.

What was once an old grocery store, turned upholstery staging space, is now home to our first storefront in the up and coming neighborhood of NuLu (New Louisville) and we are so proud to call this space ours. When it came time for the construction and design, we wanted to stay true to the roots of this historical building and maintain that vintage feel, but also make it a space that reflects our aesthetic at Pappy & Company. Much like our sister Chenault, we love mixing the old with the new and calling on our family’s heritage as inspiration for our overall look and feel. And in keeping this a family affair, we had our brother in law’s team at Karzen, Langan & James head up the construction project.

Since opening our doors, just a few weeks shy of New Year’s, we have loved getting to know our neighbors as well as our local customers.The East Market District of downtown, also referred to as NuLu (New Louisville), is fast becoming known for its unique art galleries, specialty stores, antique shops and a growing number of local restaurants. "Thrillist" even named NuLu one of the 18 Best Food Neighborhoods in America.

Here are some of our favorite spots if you find yourself strolling the streets of NuLu:

• Shop:Scout Market sells accessories and gifts with a modern, eclectic mix of furniture, home & personal goods, artwork, and jewelry.
• Eat:Rye on Market is aHip spot for innovative, locally sourced New American cuisine & cocktails in a rustic-chic setting. Did we mention that they make a mean Old Fashioned?
• Drink:Please & Thank You isthe spot for coffee, chocolate chip cookies and a great selection of vinyl. Because who doesn’t love some sugar and songs with their morning joe?
• Do:Flying Axes, yes that’s right, enjoy the thrill of throwing axes along with some craft beer and wine. This can be a fun spot to go with friends or if you get real serious you can even join the league.

If you find yourself in Louisville, please come visit us at 843 East Market Street. We are open Monday through Saturday 11am to 5pm.

Thank you to everyone who helped support us during this endeavor, and of course, our local team of customers, friends and family who have made this such an exciting chapter for Pappy & Company. See you in NuLu!