R. David Shew
As we all know or have heard, Jack Vanwinkle and Robbie Robertson are breathing life in the building on the corner of Water Street and First Street in the heart of downtown Richmond. After years of remaining closed, slowly and surely the heartbeat of Richmond is gaining traction.
Records say Hugh “Speck” Young and Kilburn Cormney opened Speck’s just after World War II as a bar and restaurant. Hugh owned and operated the business and most likely Kilburn was a silent partner.
In 1959 to 1967, Kilburn Cormney was famous for opening the first nightclub in Lexington called the La Flame on Winchester Road. Kilburn, or Mr. C, ran the Jolly Roger Restaurant and Tavern were Jerry Lee Lewis played in the early 60s as well as Johnny Almonds and Boonesboro Beach which was famous for live entertainment, swimming, and boating. Kilburn sold Boonesboro Beach to the state of Kentucky in 1988. Mr. Cormeny also owned and operated the Continental Inn, the Downtowner, and the Eldorado Motel before purchasing the Campbell House in 1972 and operated until 2002.
Hugh Young operated the Speck’s until 1959 when Frank and Joe Anne Nassida purchased the building and the business. Later, Larry Pinson from Pikeville bought the business and called it The Steak Out. In 1974, Robbie and Jean Robinson purchased the building and business operating it as The Family Dog until 2000. Rumor has it Richmond was rated as the #1 party school in America during the Robinson’s tenure as the owners due to the popularity of The Family Dog, owners, bartenders, and live music.
Famous bands like Exile, formerly known as The Exiles, The Maroons, and Gary Edwards and the Embers packed Speck’s during its heyday! The Exiles were later the house band at The Family Dog.
This writer, a former bartender, was invited by Jack Vanwinkle and Robbie Robinson for a firsthand tour of The Family Dog this past Friday. The progress report says the floors will be professionally polished in the next couple of days, the bathrooms have been expanded and just need some paint on the new drywall, and the top floor bar has a nice marble finish with just a few touches to be added upstairs as well.
A disc jockey will entertain the patrons on the main floor with a new dance floor. The top floor will feature all types of music, comedy, and open for private rentals and catering.
Oh yeah, if you stop by Saturday during the Millstone Festival, you can get a tour of the main floor with the purchase of “The Dog” t-shirt. Come buy one and enjoy the tour.
The city of Richmond and many of us cannot wait for the opening. See you on the weekend of Homecoming.
