About Us
From Truck to Table
J. Render’s Southern Table & Bar delivers Upscale Dining in a Stylish Setting
Locally owned and operated, J. Render’s is a central Kentucky staple. The Render’s brand began in 2012 when Gwyn and Ren Everly turned their food truck dream into a reality. After four successful years running their food truck, “Big Red,” along with a steady catering business, word had spread about their delicious food and great service. And so, on May 31, 2016, the Everlys opened a brand new Brick and Mortar restaurant, J. Render’s Southern Table & Bar. When asked about the name’s origin, Gwyn says, “My husband’s name is John Render Everly, and we just thought J. Render’s was the perfect name.”
Offering a variety of made-from-scratch southern dishes, J. Render’s Southern Table & Bar is well known for its delicious smoked meats, patio seating, signature sauces, daily happy hour, and genuine hospitality, all in a vibrant upscale setting. The restaurant boasts a full bar with over 22 Bourbons to choose from, not to mention local craft beer, wine, and craft cocktails. Diners can select from a variety of appetizers, interesting salads, specialty sandwiches, and Southern sides. The meat is smoked on-site, and sides and desserts are made from scratch with four incredible signature sauces. All of this, combined with live music on Monday nights and the weekends, make it the perfect spot for a quick lunch, a night on the town, or a family dinner. Render’s is also the closest restaurant and bar to Keeneland Racetrack, making it the perfect stop before or after a day at the races.
In 2022 the J. Render’s Speakeasy was opened. This private event space holds up to 50 people and has full A/V capabilities. When renting The Speakeasy, customers are provided a customizable menu and enjoy exclusive use of the ritzy, private space. It is perfect for business meetings, birthday parties, bridal/baby showers, ball game-watching, celebrations of life, and more.
The Everlys enjoy a fun evening with friends in the J. Render’s private event space, The Speakeasy!
J. Render’s has also become an increasingly popular choice for catering in the Bluegrass, serving up southern fare at weddings, parties, and corporate events. Delivery is also available through their “Que to You” program.
When it comes to food, Gwyn says, “You’ll see many of the same dishes at the restaurant that we make for friends and family at our home. Ren is the Pit Master. He has been smoking meat recreationally for about twenty years, and he really enjoys perfecting the craft and experimenting with different smokers. I’m all about the sides. My daughter says, ‘Mom, it’s so weird to sit down at a restaurant and eat food you used to make at home.”
Ren got his start in the food business by owning Domino’s franchises, and Gwyn describes herself as “a bit of a rolling stone.” She worked in the mortgage business for several years and later graduated Summa Cum laude with a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Kentucky. She then worked for Lexmark and earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Georgetown College, taught high school math, and ultimately ended up in the food service business alongside her husband.
Every day from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., customers can take advantage of the happy hour menu, with 1/2 price appetizers, 1/2 price wine by the glass, 1/2 price draft beer, $1 off bottle beer & well drinks! Plus, on Tuesdays, they have a smoked baby back ribs special, Wednesdays, they have $1 smoked chicken wings during happy Hour and 1/2 price wine by the bottle all day, and on Thursdays, you must try their smoked prime rib. Weekends bring nightly dinner specials as well.
J. Render’s believes wholeheartedly in giving back to their community and actively partners with non-profits and community groups through their “Dine to Donate” program. They have been recognized by America’s SBDC with the 2022 Small Business Advocate Award and the 2021 Kentucky Pacesetter Award for their philanthropy and strong community involvement.
Introducing Our New Team Members
DIRK VAUGHN
General Manager
Dirk brings over 30 years of restaurant management experience to his role as General Manager at J. Render’s. With a strong focus on organization, prioritization, and guest experience, Dirk has quickly become an integral part of our team, ensuring that every aspect of J. Render’s runs smoothly.
Originally from out of state, Dirk has already developed a deep appreciation for Southern fare. He is particularly passionate about the art of smoking meats and the unique cooking techniques that make J. Render’s the talk of the town. He’s excited to dive into the culture and history of the Bluegrass State and looks forward to new adventures exploring the Bourbon Trail and sampling Kentucky’s craft breweries. Happy to call Kentucky home, Dirk is ready to make the most of everything Central Kentucky offers.
ABBIE GALE LEMMON
Bar Manager / Mixologist
A bourbon expert with an impressive portfolio of cocktail recipes, Abbie is ready to take our bar experience to a whole new level. She brings a wealth of knowledge and a zero-waste philosophy to her craft and is passionate about creating an unforgettable cocktail experience for you all.
Abbie has been a proud Kentuckian for the past seven years, though she still cheers for her Michigan teams! When she’s not shaking things up behind the bar, you’ll find her enjoying a pinball game, tending to her garden, or hanging with her dog, Lily. She’s also a big fan of scary movies—so if you ever want to chat horror flicks while sipping one of her creations, Abbie’s your girl!
KATY DEWOLFE
Catering Manager
Since 2016, Katy DeWolfe has been at the heart of J. Render’s team. Promoted to Catering Manager several years ago, she ensures every event is as delicious as it is memorable.
Whether she’s running events in the Speakeasy or out and about overseeing catering details, Katy’s dedication to excellence shines through in everything she does. A Danville native who still calls her hometown home, Katy brings her love for Southern hospitality and attention to detail to every catering experience.
Katy’s favorite dish on the menu? The French Dip with Brussels sprouts—a combination she highly recommends! Outside of work, she loves spending time with her dog, Murphy. For Katy, the best part of her job is the incredible community she’s surrounded by, from the supportive owners to the loyal customers who make every day special.
When you’re the Catering Manager at J. Render’s, BBQ sauce is just part of the uniform sometimes! Katy’s not afraid to get her hands dirty to make sure your event is sauce-some!
