This Louisville restaurant got a surprise visit from Bruno Mars for Derby weekend
A soul food restaurant that's become a Louisville staple after more than 30 years in business received a surprise guest Friday — Bruno Mars.
The "24K Magic" singer stopped by Shirley Mae's Café in the Smoketown neighborhood before performing at the Trifecta Gala on Friday, according to two photos he posted to Instagram.
One photo shows Mars posing with restaurant owner Shirley Beard, while the other shows the cafe's sign.
In a social media post, Beard's granddaughter Jessica Bellamy wrote, "Stars have been drawn to Smoketown during the #KentuckyDerby weekend since the late 80s when Shirley Mae's Café launched the Salute to Black Jockey's Festival. ... Now Mars has come to visit!"
Shirley Mae's Café is open for carryout Thursday through Sunday. But don't go without cash — the restaurant doesn't accept credit cards.
Stars have been drawn to Smoketown during the #KentuckyDerby weekend since the late 80s when Shirley Mae’s Café launched the Salute to Black Jockey’s Festival. The festival was fully free, had rides, live musical, Black Jockey trading cards, etc. Now Mars has come to visit!👩🏾🚀🔭❤️ https://t.co/gj60lotREl
— Jessica Bellamy (any/all/y’all) (@JBellaGraphics) May 4, 2024
Reach reporter Bailey Loosemore at bloosemore@courier-journal.com, 502-582-4646 or on Twitter @bloosemore.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Bruno Mars stops by Shirley Mae's Café ahead of Kentucky Derby
