Landmark Le Relais stays in the family
LouisvilleHotBytes interviews new Le Relais owner Amy Zinner, longtime member of the bistro's team and partner of the previous owner, Anthony Dike.
Le Relais, Louisville’s beloved French restaurant, has been a staple in the community for more than three decades. Recently it was sold to Amy Zinner, a longtime member of the team and partner of the former owner, Anthony Dike.
In this interview, Amy and Anthony talk about the restaurant’s history, the challenges of ownership, and what’s next for Le Relais.
Amy Zinner and Anthony Dike are close, but their relationship didn't deter a business deal in which she purchased Le Relais from him after he decided to retire.
A Legacy of Great Chefs and Challenging Times
When Amy Zinner reflects on Le Relais’ history, she credits the great chefs who have helped shape the restaurant. “We had some amazing chefs in the early years who created a strong foundation for us—people like Daniel Stage and Roberta Cattan. They were a perfect fit for the times,” she explains.
However, she said, there were some challenging periods when the restaurant faced a series of difficult transitions. “We went through a rough patch with chefs who, while talented, didn’t always mesh with the direction we wanted to go in. It’s tough to find the right balance.”
But there were good times, too. She said Le Relais rebounded with fresh energy when former Chef Alex Delaney, who had left to start is own restaurant, La Chasse, rejoined the team in 2024. “When Alex came on board It was a good time for us, but like any business, we’ve had our ups and downs.”
Up or down, Amy says, one key to Le Relais’ enduring success has been its loyal customer base. While the restaurant has a reputation for attracting an older clientele, she notes that younger generations are now coming in droves. They’re seeing a new generation coming in, too: "people in their 20s to 50s, who are really excited to try something new, but also appreciate the traditions Le Relais offers.”
Beloved for its atmosphere, Le Relais stays true to the classic French decor and style that has been its trademark since Anthony Dike opened the restaurant in 1988.
A Pandemic Pivot and Growing Popularity
The Covid-19 pandemic was a pivotal moment for Le Relais. When the restaurant was forced to close, Amy and Anthony quickly pivoted to a takeout-friendly menu. “We invested in high-quality carryout materials and adjusted our menu to make it more suitable for takeout. At first, people were just happy to be home, but after a few weeks, they started craving something better, and our business began booming,” Amy recalls.
One unexpected result of this shift was the introduction of a burger to the menu. “We joke that it took 20 years and a pandemic to get a burger on the menu at Le Relais!” she laughs. “We hadn’t done burgers before, but we saw a post about fried chicken from another local place, and thought, that’s it. We need to put that on the menu.”
After the pandemic, the restaurant made some changes to its hours, including closing on Tuesdays for the first time in its history. “Every night has been busy since then, and we’ve been able to bring back laid-off staff, which has been great.”
Ownership Change: A New Era Begins
About two years ago, Anthony started talking about retiring and selling the restaurant. However, the process proved to be more complicated than expected. “The plan was for me to work with the new owners for a year or so to help with the transition, but nothing was happening. After 13 months with no buyers, I started to worry,” Amy explains.
Then came a shock: a potential buyer backed out at the last minute. “We found out they weren’t interested in buying the restaurant—just the building. It was devastating. I felt like everything we’d worked for might disappear.”
At that moment Amy made a bold decision: She would buy the restaurant herself. “I went through all five stages of grief in one hour, and then I realized—this is it. If this place is going to survive, I need to buy it.”
Support from her family helped her stay focused. “My dad had been hoping for years that I would take this step, and my mom gave me her full support. That made all the difference.”
A Seamless Transition
In September 2023, they completed the sale. Amy officially became the owner of Le Relais. “It wasn’t nerve-wracking at all to sign the papers,” she says. “I knew this was the right move. And the timing was perfect because in 2024 Alex Delaney, who had been away from the restaurant for a while, decided to return as executive chef.”
Despite the changes, Amy emphasizes that Le Relais is still very much the same iconic restaurant it has always been. There were no big overhauls, “just a few tweaks to build on the foundation Anthony laid. We’re keeping the traditions but adding some new touches.”
One of the first changes was the addition of a monthly lunch service on the last Friday of every month and the introduction of Sunday brunch, which had never been offered during Anthony’s tenure. “For 36 years, we never did brunch. But I saw a demand, and we started offering items like Eggs Benedict, which has been a huge hit.”
What’s Next for Le Relais
Amy’s vision for Le Relais goes beyond just maintaining the status quo. “We’re expanding the bar area to accommodate more guests. People want to come in, sit at the bar, and enjoy a drink while they wait for a table. We’re also focusing on creating an even more welcoming atmosphere,” she explains.
Watch for the updated bar soon: Amy says she hopes to begin construction on March 17 and unveil the new, 13-seat gathering place within three weeks.
Perfectly shined wine glasses await the evening crowd on the Parisian-style stand-up bar at Le Relais. Amy Zinner plans to expand it it into a 13-seat, sit-down spot soon.
Despite these changes, Amy is adamant about staying true to the restaurant’s roots. “Food, ambience, and service—those are the three pillars that have always made Le Relais special. Anthony and I both believe that service is number one.
It’s not just about the food—it’s the little things, like fresh flowers and candles that actually have a flame. Alex’s food is exceptional, and I love how he makes me look good.”
Family Involvement and the Future
Amy’s family is also deeply involved in the restaurant’s day-to-day operations. Her 16-year-old daughter, Abbott, works as the hostess, and her 14-year-old son, Jude, is also part of the family business. “My kids have grown up in this restaurant. Abbott has been around since she was five years old, and it’s been amazing to see them grow up here. They’re learning the ropes, and I’m excited for the future.”
As for Amy, she’s confident that she’s found her true calling. “I love what I do, and I’m exactly where I belong. I might get more wrinkles from all the smiling, but that’s okay,” she says with a grin. “Le Relais is my home, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep it thriving for years to come.”
A Legacy Continues
For Amy and Anthony, the journey with Le Relais is far from over. Together, they are ensuring the restaurant remains a beloved landmark for years to come. “We’re still a family,” Amy says. “This place will always be a part of us, and now I’m just excited to continue the work Anthony started.”
Bistro Le Relais
Bowman Field
2817 Taylorsville Road
451-9020
lerelaisrestaurant.com
Facebook: bit.ly/LeRelais502
instagram.com/bistrolerelais