Two new restaurants set to open in south Corbin

Out with the old, in with the new.

Corbin’s south end will be getting two new restaurants in the near future to take the place of a pair of eateries that fell on hard times this past year and were forced to close.

According to Corbin Building Inspector Frank Burke, officials completed a final alcohol license inspection for Fiesta Mexicana, a Mexican restaurant currently in operation in southern Laurel Corbin. It will be located in the old O’Malley’s building on Cumberland Falls Hwy. when renovations are complete.

"Most of the work they are doing there is cosmetic," Burke said. "They have just changed the decor mostly, but they also ripped up all the old tile and removed a divider wall which opens the place up a lot more."

Fiesta Mexicana will feature an enclosed outdoor patio for diners that will include and open fire pit and guest bar.

Burke said Fiesta Mexicana owner Angel Estrada hoped to be open by the first of this month, but said work would likely take longer.

O’Malley’s abruptly closed earlier this year. At the time, the ownership of the restaurant owed the Kentucky Revenue Cabinet over $90,000 in unpaid taxes. The restaurant also lost its license to sell alcohol because of the tax problems. A recent lawsuit accuses O’Malley’s owners of not paying bills for food items delivered to the store.

Across the road, the former Buckner’s Grill and Bar location will reopen early next year as Ryno’s Grill and Bar.

Burke said the building required extensive renovation and repairs following the closure of Buckner’s a few months ago.

"It was really in rough shape. I was kind of shocked," Burke said. "It will be really nice when they are done. They have put a lot of work into it."

Burke said the owner, Ryan Centers, plans to sell alcohol at the restaurant. A preliminary inspection for an alcohol license has been conducted.