'The Walking Dead' star to open Southern food restaurant in Louisville. Here's where

Matthew Glowicki, Louisville Courier Journal
Updated ·2 min read
Nic & Norman's serves up Southern style food, including this fried fish sandwich.
Nic & Norman's serves up Southern style food, including this fried fish sandwich.
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A Southern eatery has opened in downtown Louisville, backed by some television star power.

Actor Norman Reedus, best known for his role as Daryl Dixon in "The Walking Dead," has opened Nic & Norman's, a casual dining, Southern-influenced restaurant.

The location is now open at 108 W. Washington St. on Whiskey Alley, a one-block stretch behind the Whiskey Row entertainment district.

David Valentine, vice president of operations, called the location "ideal" due to its historic character.

"Greg and Norman always say they want their restaurants to be in historic locations that have a great story of their own ― and Whiskey Alley is a perfect fit," he said in a statement. "It can be a great destination in and of itself, but it can also be a stop on the way to a night at the arena for a concert or game.”

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"Nic" in the restaurant's name is Greg Nicotero, a producer and special effect makeup artist on the television series. He, along with the author of the graphic novel series, Robert Kirkman — a Cynthiana, Kentucky, native — own the brand.

"Walking Dead" actor Norman Reedus (left) is seen on the set of the popular television show with Greg Nicotero, a special effect makeup artist and producer/director.
"Walking Dead" actor Norman Reedus (left) is seen on the set of the popular television show with Greg Nicotero, a special effect makeup artist and producer/director.

And while a passion for zombies may have united the trio, the restaurant isn't tied to the series or to its undead subjects.

Louisville marks the second Kentucky location for the brand, which opened its first location in 2016 in Senoia, Georgia, a filming location for the popular zombie drama. Restaurants have since opened in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Lexington.

More: Norman Reedus, aka Daryl from 'The Walking Dead,' filmed in Kentucky this week

"Wow. So excited for this place to open," Reedus said in a statement. “Thank you to the followers of the show and to the Nic & Norman's family. Hope everyone enjoys the good food and the family atmosphere."

Business reporter Matthew Glowicki can be reached at mglowicki@courier-journal.com, 502-582-4000 or on Twitter @mattglo. 

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 'The Walking Dead' star opens Nic & Norman's restaurant in Louisville