Mallard’s closes — Southland church will expand into the location

Published 7:42 am Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Mallard’s, a sports bar and restaurant on Ben Ali Drive in Danville, has closed after eight and a half years. The closure was made public via Mallard’s Facebook page on Sunday.

Southland Christian Church has taken over Mallard’s lease and is currently planning to expand their location beside Danville Cinemas 8.

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The closing was no surprise to the owners, Angela and Gregory Hoskins, who had been planning for it since 2017. Their joint post on Facebook reads, “We decided at the end of last year that we wanted to spend more time with our family and pursue new opportunities that would allow us the freedom to do so.”

The post continues, “Thank you to the patrons and staff for all the love and support. The friendships we have developed over the years will continue to grow as will our future.”

They aren’t the only ones that will miss the restaurant.

City Commissioner and cycling enthusiast Rick Serres recognizes how the loss will impact the community.

“I did host a happy hour bike ride there. We didn’t have large gatherings but it was a nice venue for us to begin our ride out through Bluegrass Pike.

“Then we would sit on their patio afterwards and socialize,” said Serres. “They were called Mallard’s Neighborhood Gathering Place, and I think that is an accurate description. In my going there, I met people from Mercer, Garrard and Casey counties. There are always reasons for closure and Mallard’s will certainly be a loss for the Danville community. There will certainly be a void on that side of town. We’ll be sorry to see them leave.”

“Mallard’s was a weekly part of my life for several years doing Kentucky football sports shows for two different radio stations. That enabled me to get to know the staff — and menu — at Mallard’s very well and why we have enjoyed dining there so much over the years,” Larry Vaught said. “… Not having Mallard’s is definitely a sad thought for me.”

This is not the end for the owners of Mallard’s. “We are beyond excited for our next chapter and we are blessed the church will be able to expand as well. It’s not goodbye, and we will see you around town,” the Hoskins’ Facebook post reads.

The restaurant was also home to a monthly comedy night offering, Comedy Caravan, and served as the monthly meeting place for the Boyle County Republican Party.