Cupola Club is ahead of the competition with private dinner; almost 500 members

When Bill Hughes purchased the former Campbell Club at 521 Frederica Street in March 2022 to open a new private dining club, several people told him he was “crazy.” Despite private dining clubs closing across the country and state, he renovated the historic venue and created the Cupola Club with a goal of having 500 members.

Those goals, set two years ago, are now becoming a reality as the club reaches its cap of 500 members. The once-dying concept of social clubs is enjoying a renaissance in the state’s larger cities, and Hughes and Owensboro were ahead of the curve.

“Owensboro was craving fine dining and the reception and support from the community was incredible,” Hughes said.

Hughes attributes the club’s success to the unique culture he and his team have fostered not only in the front of house with members, but also in the kitchen. He compared the fine dining experience to a high-profile sporting event or competition, demonstrating the club’s distinctive approach to hospitality.

“It’s fast, it’s hot, but it’s exciting,” he said. “In a way, it’s us versus them (the guests), and you can’t lose if you meet or exceed their expectations. And when the line is long, the waiters already know the drink orders by heart and the hostesses offer tours, it’s like watching a ballet.”

Hughes said the private club offers a level of freedom that is difficult to achieve in a traditional restaurant. He prides himself on better compensating his kitchen staff and employees and creating an environment where they can be inspired and excel in the kitchen.

Hughes finds it very satisfying when servers remember a member’s drink order and bring it to the table as soon as they sit down. He also enjoys it when members host friends, give tours and share more about the club.

Hughes was born and raised in Leitchfield, KY. He left Western Kentucky at a young age to attend Woodward Boarding School and then Centre College to earn his bachelor’s degree. However, food has always been his passion. After explaining this to his father, he reluctantly agreed to send him to culinary school at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI.

Other stops on his culinary resume include a ten-year stint at the Campbell Club in the 1990s and a decade as owner and operator of Eat @ Bill’s, where he gained some local notoriety.

The historic home that houses the Cupola Club was built in 1880 and is the last of its kind on the commercial north end of Frederica Street. Hughes oversaw a remodel that maintained the home’s historic accuracy while pairing it with a contemporary flair.

There is a stately dining room with natural sunlight, arched windows and fireplaces. To the rear is the bar with several murals and an urban feel.

“It was a big leap of faith – I was betting on myself and this building,” said Hughes. “We had our share of skeptics, but we knew we had a novel idea. I have a passion for food and I like to cook because I want to cook things that I like.”

Hughes is a regular at the Owensboro Regional Farmer’s Market, where he buys various ingredients during the season. He describes the menu as handmade, responsibly sourced and delicious, ranging from exotic cuts of steak and rare seafood to soups, salads and specialty sandwiches for lunch.

“The world is so ‘small’ today that we can be creative in what we offer – we can source products from all over the world,” said Hughes. “We have great agricultural resources and our wine merchants are just about the best in the country.”

Because the Cupola Club has a retail license, it also offers retail wine to its members. Hughes and his company host wine tastings twice a month, where members can try new wines and learn more about their origins and pairing possibilities.

To build on this momentum, the club is offering a curated wine tour of the Willamette Valley later this year. Local wine expert Sandy Fitzgerald will lead the trip, which includes several days of wine tasting at several Oregon vineyards and opportunities to experience local culture or relax in Cannon Beach.

In addition to the outings, social gatherings, free event space and retail offerings, Hughes is constantly looking for ways to add value to the club. He also places a strong emphasis on not increasing membership fees and keeping menu prices consistent.

To learn more about the club or to inquire about membership, call 270-852-8120.