LOUISVILLE, Ky. — An iconic business in Louisville’s Schnitzelburg neighborhood with over 100 years’ worth of history will soon reopen under a new name and ownership. 

Hauck’s Handy Store closed in 2019, but after a year and a half long renovation, it’s been transformed into a bar and restaurant named Hauck’s Corner.

Hauck's Corner has preserved and reused as much of the old building as possible. (Spectrum News 1/Mason Brighton)

Hauck’s Corner will have a soft opening for the 52nd annual Dainty Competition on July 25. A grand opening is planned for later in the summer.

“To be a part of the Dainty, it’s like, it would be a disservice to not be able to be here and open in some capacity,” said Jeff Walschon, co-owner of Hauck’s Corner.

Walschon, along with Fred and Angelica Pizzonia, are the current owners and have made preserving the history of the building a top priority. From the old doors and fixtures to the meat cooler, much of the old store has been reused. 

“Basically, everything that you see in this place was for the original building,” Walschon said.

Hauck’s Handy Store was in business for over 100 years and was run by George Hauck until the store was sold in 2019. Hauck passed away at 100 in Sept. 2020. 

Walschon said the store’s legacy will live on, as you’ll have a hard time not recognizing a piece of its long history. 

Hauck’s Corner extends far past the store’s original footprint. The Hauck’s former apartment has been turned into a museum, and beyond that more seating and a patio have been added.

The living room of the Hauck's apartment has been transformed into a museum. (Spectrum News 1/Mason Brighton)

The outdoor seating area extends behind the neighboring buildings, all of which are now under the same ownership.

Walschon hopes to draw influence from the old days when Hauck’s was a place anyone come to hang out at.

“The idea is to have this be like a community space too, you know,” Walschon said.

The area above the restaurant is also being turned into an Airbnb.

From the decor to what goes on the menu, just about every aspect of Hauck’s is being honored and preserved for generations to come.

“This space and this corner means so much to so many people and we want people to come in and be able to have that same feeling you know and be able to recognize things from the past,” Walschon said.