As Bard’s Burgers & Chili marks its tenth anniversary, the Latonia restaurant is recognizing an unlikely partner in its early success: the Kenton County Public Library.
Owner Jordan Stephenson rebranded and reopened Bard’s a decade ago, but he didn’t have internet access at home. He utilized the library’s resources to create menus, conduct research, and establish the groundwork for the business.
“The Kenton County Public Library is proud to help power dreams,” the library’s Public Relations Coordinator, Gina Stegner, said in a news release. “Seeing Bard’s success and knowing we were part of that beginning is what community connection is all about.”
To celebrate the recent opening of the new Latonia Branch Library, Bard’s is offering a limited-time drink called “Li-berry Lemonade.” A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Latonia Community Libraries. The drink includes raspberries grown in the neighborhood garden.
The Kenton County Public Library offers business owners and entrepreneurs access to free Wi-fi, meeting rooms, research databases, one-on-one assistance, and other resources. The new Latonia Branch features public computers, flexible workspaces, and career tools.
It is one of four branches serving more than 170,000 people in Kenton County.