Part of Paducah, Kentucky’s rich cultural heritage is a deeply ingrained love for local food. Restaurant owners strive to preserve the historic downtown area with unique dining experiences.
With a love for Paducah culture and a vision for the future, Korey Vazquez began his mission to reopen a downtown staple, The Gold Rush Café.
Korey, a Mayfield native, first noticed Gold Rush Café while trying on a tuxedo for his high school prom. Originally believing it to be a pawn shop, he was surprised when he was invited to eat at the café by his cousin, Kris Thomas. Neither of them could have predicted how that breakfast would shape a lifetime.
Korey’s journey did not end there. In fact, his path took him across the United States to Boulder, Colorado. Korey’s passion for cooking landed him an opportunity to perfect his skills at the Culinary Institute of America. As a man of faith, Korey says he truly believes everything happens for a reason. Although Korey loved the culinary arts, true love brought him back to Kentucky. His faith has carried him through hardship and led his journey to purchase the Gold Rush Café.
After he was denied the restaurant seven times, Korey’s raw determination and trust in the Lord finally landed him the title “Owner of the New Gold Rush Café.”
Korey was audacious, purchasing a restaurant in the midst of a pandemic without experience owning a business. However, he has not let any obstacles shadow his vibrant spirit.
The “New” Gold Rush Café, as his patrons refer to it, is filled with fresh new life. You cannot help but smile when you settle into one of the wooden booths, the aroma of brewing coffee and laughter filling the air.
Korey Vazquez took a risk, and Paducah residents will never be able to thank him enough. He restored a corner classic that has kept bellies full since 1999. Korey refuses to settle there; his vision for the future will flood the downtown area with renewed enthusiasm. Korey’s unique blend of Puerto Rican and Irish heritage has inspired him to incorporate new flavors into the menu. Preserving the authenticity of the Gold Rush Café remains at the forefront of Korey’s vision, but twists on classics and new monthly features invite curiosity. You can still order the original breakfast that started it all, bread pudding waffles and scotch eggs.
Though Korey regularly confronts the stigma surrounding the restaurant’s previous owner, his passion and cheerful attitude have sparked positive attention in the community.
Korey has a quote written across the wall in the restaurant that keeps him going each day. “You cannot control the things that happen to you, but you can control how you react.” The “New” Gold Rush Café ignites excitement in the downtown area and in the community as a whole.
Paducah locals and out of town visitors are truly in for a treat!
