November 05, 2026 // Franchising.com // CINCINNATI – Currito, the fast-casual concept fueling communities through its globally inspired bowls, salads, and smoothies, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its second restaurant in Louisville. The restaurant, located in the Paddock Shops shopping complex at 4037 Summit Plaza Dr., opens its doors on Monday, November 9th, marking the newest restaurant for franchisee Rudrik Patel. To celebrate, the first 50 guests through the door on opening day will receive free Currito for a year, redeemable for one meal per week through the Currito app.
Soft Opening/VIP Parties:
To keep the celebration safe and fair for everyone, overnight camping is not permitted, and guests may begin lining up no earlier than 6 a.m. ET on opening day.
Rudrik’s connection to Currito is a family affair. His uncle, Peter Patel, owns and operates the brand’s successful St. Matthews location in Louisville, where Rudrik was first introduced to the concept. After seeing the restaurant’s success firsthand and developing an appreciation for the brand, he recognized an opportunity to build on Currito’s momentum in Louisville by opening the brand’s second location in the market.
Entrepreneurship runs in Rudrik’s family, and the new restaurant marks his fifth business venture. Based in nearby Bardstown, he has leaned on his uncle Peter as an invaluable resource throughout the process of opening his first Currito location. His cousin will also join the team, further extending the family’s involvement with the brand. Community excitement is already building ahead of the grand opening, with the new location receiving an overwhelmingly positive response.
“I first tried Currito while visiting my uncle's restaurant, and I was hooked from the first bite. My go-to is always the build-your-own bowl,” said Rudrik. “Seeing how much he's built and how much our family and community have embraced the brand made this an easy decision. I'm excited to bring that same experience to Paddock Shops and to have my cousin join me on this journey.”
This opening in the Paddock Shops reflects Currito's growing momentum in the Louisville market. The St. Matthews location has become one of the brand’s standout performers since opening, giving Rudrik a firsthand look at what a successful Currito restaurant can achieve before he decided to become a franchisee himself.
“Our St. Matthews location has exceeded what we hoped for, and it's been amazing to watch this community embrace the brand,” said Kyle Gardner, Brand Managing Partner for Currito. “Louisville has shown us there's real demand for what Currito offers, and I think Rudrik is going to see that same success."
Currito is part of the Cincinnati-based Thunderdome Restaurant Group, which owns The Eagle, a concept with two Louisville locations of its own. That local experience means the team behind Currito already knows what it takes to successfully open and operate a restaurant in the market.
“Rudrik represents exactly what we look for in a Currito franchisee: someone who genuinely loves the food and understands what it takes to run a great restaurant,” said John Lanni, co-founder of Currito. “It's especially meaningful to see the brand grow through family, with Rudrik following in his uncle's footsteps to bring Currito to Paddock Shops.”
Founded in 2005 by brothers Joe and John Lanni, Currito was created to bring fresh, globally inspired meals to the fast-casual space. Using nutritious, locally sourced ingredients, the brand appeals to consumers seeking delicious, healthy options. With a deep-rooted food industry background, the Lanni brothers drew inspiration from their father, Nick Lanni, who founded and grew the Great Steak and Potato Company to over 250 locations. They have since built the Thunderdome Restaurant Group, which includes several successful concepts alongside Currito.
To learn more about Currito and the grand opening celebrations for the new location, visit currito.com.
Founded in 2005, Currito is redefining the fast-casual space through their globally inspired menu with fresh and nourishing ingredients. Committed to their vision of serving food that fuels communities, the brand is thrilled to expand their reach within the U.S. through franchising. With 21 locations open and operating throughout Ohio, Illinois, Maryland, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, the brand is actively looking for passionate franchisees to join them on their mission. Currito empowers their franchisees with a proven business model, comprehensive training, and ongoing support, to ensure their individual success as business owners. For more information about Currito, please visit currito.com.
SOURCE Currito
Founded in 2005, Currito is redefining the fast-casual space through their globally inspired menu with fresh and nourishing ingredients.