LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A long-vacant building on a long a busy stretch of Bardstown Road now has new life. The old Mellow Mushroom in the Highlands closed in January 2019 and has now been transformed into Beyond the Sun Modern Restaurant & Lounge.

Assistant Manager Charles Phillip Richards says he grew up down the block from the restaurant. He is glad to be a part of the area’s continued growth.

“We had our grand opening and it was I was surprised to see people dancing like they were dancing. And yes, I thought that was amazing. That’s what I was looking for people were having fun,” said Richards.

This multi-level restaurant offers fine dining on the first floor and a lounge ambiance paired with an outdoor area “Pegasus Terrace” on the second floor. The restaurant provides a wide selection of bourbon, tequila, cocktails and serving dishes such as steak, seafood, pasta, and more

“So we have live music bands, hopefully stand-up comedians, DJs. This is going to be a club lounge-type atmosphere,” said Richards.

Richards says he is excited to bring this Latin influence to the heart of Louisville.

“So Louisville has the second highest population of Cubans in the United States, second to Miami. So it’s really exciting for me to see them being represented in this area,” explained Richards.

Beyond the Sun’s goal is to help bring more people to Bardstown Road.

“People that are from this area that want to see the kind of variety of flavors and to be injected into the Louisville area,” said Richards.

Richards hopes people in the Highlands, Louisville and surrounding areas will come in and enjoy what they have to offer.

The group that owns the new Beyond the Sun restaurant also owns Sol Aztecas, also on Bardstown Road. Beyond the Sun will be open daily from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.