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The new Joe Bologna’s is no baloney

December 5, 2024 • 
Samuel Collins Hicks
Joe Bologna's sits in the former Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church.

The lights will stay on at Joe Bologna’s into 2025 and beyond. | Photo courtesy of Joe Bologna’s

And just like that, we have less than a month left with the Joe Bologna at the helm of his beloved namesake pizza spot. Yes, after more than 51 years, Bologna is retiring. But fear not, the longtime staple itself isn’t going anywhere. Clear as marinara sauce?

Let’s deep dish on the upcoming changing of the guard in our local pizza scene.

  • February 2023: Joe Bologna’s celebrates 50 years in business
  • March 2024: Bologna announces his retirement + says if doesn’t find a buyer by August 1, the restaurant will close — all of Lexington goes in a frenzy
  • June 2024: Brandon Thurman saves the day and purchases the beloved pizza spot — the Kentucky native also owns High Proof Hideaway on Short Street

The good news for hungry Lexingtonians? The new owners have been training for the past five months with Bologna don’t plan on making any changes.

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