LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 2, 2025) – – – Hermitage Farm announced Oscar Bello as executive chef of Barn8 Restaurant & Bourbon Bar, where he previously served as chef de cuisine. As the restaurant marks its fifth anniversary, chef Bello brings a fresh perspective to the farm-to-table staple. For more information, visit hermitagefarm.com.
“This is an exciting time at Barn8,” said owner Steve Wilson. “In the five years since we opened, we’ve hosted countless special occasions — but we believe every day is a special one at Hermitage Farm. Debuting in June, Oscar’s new menu will echo the refinement guests know and love Barn8 for, while also offering options that celebrate the magic of every day.”
Bello joined the Barn8 team in 2023 as chef de cuisine after relocating here from Washington, D.C. He embarked on his culinary journey at the young age of 16, under the guidance of his family, particularly his mother and aunts. Born and raised in Mexico, his family instilled in him a deep appreciation for crafting classic Mexican dishes. His family immigrated to America when he was 7, so Bello grew up with Mexican flavors but living in Maryland led to him experiencing a wide variety of cuisines that have influenced his cooking.
Bello honed his skills under the tutelage of renowned Chef José Andrés, making significant contributions to the success of Chef Andrés’ flagship restaurant, Jaleo, and played a pivotal role in the opening of The Bazaar in the Waldorf Astoria as one of its sous chefs. He also worked alongside notable chefs and culinary directors including chef Robbie Meltzer, chef Jose Ayala and Omar Rodriguez.
“For me, food has always been a way to bring people together,” Bello said. “I enjoy exploring unique flavor combinations and textures. I’m excited about building on Barn8’s commitment to local sourcing and serving our guests to new yet familiar dishes that showcase the amazing ingredients right here around us.”
Barn8 Restaurant & Bourbon Bar’s summer menu is set to launch June 18, 2025.
About Barn8 Restaurant & Bourbon Bar:
Barn8 Restaurant & Bourbon Bar, 10500 W Highway 42, in Goshen, Kentucky, is located on the 683-acre historic working thoroughbred and sport horse farm Hermitage Farm. 21c Museum Hotel co-founders Steve Wilson and Laura Lee Brown established Barn8 as part of their overall conservation efforts to expand the farm’s agritourism destination experience and preserve Kentucky’s rural heritage. Barn8 offers a seasonal menu crafted by executive chef Oscar Bello that highlights sustainable ingredients from the restaurant’s on-site gardens, three-tier climate-controlled greenhouse and neighboring farms. A former dairy and horse barn, Barn8 features stalls repurposed to create individual dining spaces, an open chef’s kitchen, long communal farmhouse tables, and eclectic artwork selected by Wilson and Brown. The restaurant’s Bourbon Bar & Lounge offers an extensive list of rare whiskeys and aged bourbons from its small batch program. The Bourbon Library also features whiskies available for purchase. Barn8 is open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 4 to 9 p.m. For more information or to make reservations, call (502) 889-1835, visit HermitageFarm.com
