Want to own a piece of Lexington’s Distillery District? Here’s your chance.

Janet Patton
·2 min read

If you’re looking to get a foothold in a booming Lexington entertainment district, here’s your chance: A popular event venue on Manchester in the Distillery District is up for sale.

The Grand Reserve and Speakeasy Venues at 903 Manchester St. will be auctioned next month by Tranzon Asset Advisors.

Bidding opens in the online auction on April 1 and closes April 3.

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There are two commercial condominiums that can be bid on together or separately, according to a news release from Tranzon, which is hosting the auction at tranzon.com.

The Grand Reserve on Manchester has hosted many Lexington social events, including this October 2015 circus-themed Under the Big Top fundraiser to benefit Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Bluegrass.
The Grand Reserve on Manchester has hosted many Lexington social events, including this October 2015 circus-themed Under the Big Top fundraiser to benefit Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Bluegrass.

Where is the Grand Reserve event venue?

The location sits between Manchester Music Hall and the new Manchester Hotel, neither of which are part of the auction.

The commercial kitchen is behind the Mazunte Mexican restaurant and bodega, opening later this year.

The Grand Reserve and Speakeasy event venue with a commercial kitchen, bars and more in Lexington’s Distillery District on Manchester Street is going up for sale via online auction beginning April 1.
The Grand Reserve and Speakeasy event venue with a commercial kitchen, bars and more in Lexington’s Distillery District on Manchester Street is going up for sale via online auction beginning April 1.

The property is just down from Rupp Arena and the upcoming Town Branch Park, and up the street from the Pepper Distillery campus of restaurants, bars, breweries and distilleries.

The property, which has hosted myriad weddings, parties and Lexington social events, includes themed ballrooms, two full-service bars, private rooms and a large commercial kitchen.

It also has one of the largest CBD production facilities in central Kentucky, according to the release.

Why is the Grand Reserve being sold?

The venue has been the home of Bluegrass Catering; co-owner Jill Bakehorn said via email that her mother, Judy, who has been her business partner since 1994, is retiring, so Bakehorn decided to auction off the properties.

Bakehorn is also part owner of CannaBuzz Bar, across the street at 938 Manchester St., which has focused on incorporating legal cannabis products, including some food and drink experiences.

“This property has a wide range of potential uses, such as a restaurant, brew pub, sports-themed restaurant or other commercial business,” said Ed Durnil of Tranzon.

The main stage, with swings, at the Grand Reserve on Manchester Street, as set up for a Derby Eve party in 2014.
The main stage, with swings, at the Grand Reserve on Manchester Street, as set up for a Derby Eve party in 2014.

Zoning is light industrial, permitting commercial, light manufacturing, business and other uses. The condominiums were appraised for $3.45 million in November 2023.

Bidding will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, April 1, and continue through 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3.

Tranzon personnel will be available at the property to accommodate inspections at noon March 27, and at noon April 1.