Lexington, September 6, 2025
News Summary
Lexington’s CD Central, a beloved record store, is closing its doors after three decades of service. Owner Steve Baron announced the closure on social media, citing a desire to retire and spend more time with family. The store will transition to Cut Corner Records, which will honor its legacy and maintain most of its inventory. The local music community is showing appreciation for CD Central, highlighting its role in fostering creativity and community ties.
Lexington is bidding farewell to a beloved local institution as CD Central, a prominent record store, is set to close its doors after 30 years of service. The store’s owner, Steve Baron, made the announcement via social media in August 2025, stating that the closure will take place in early September, specifically following the Labor Day holiday.
CD Central has been a cherished part of the Lexington music scene since it first opened in South Hill Station in 1995 and later relocated to South Limestone in 1999. The store has garnered a loyal following over the years, with customers expressing their sadness at the store’s impending closure while also congratulating Baron on his plans for retirement. Many patrons took to social media to share nostalgic stories of their teenage visits to the store and the strong community ties fostered there.
Despite the closure, Baron emphasized that the decision stems from a personal desire to travel and spend more time with family, rather than due to any financial troubles. Surprisingly, CD Central is closing during a robust business period, with Baron reporting that the store is on track for one of its best years ever. The emotional difficulty of shutting down a successful business further complicates the decision.
CD Central will transition to a new record store called Cut Corner Records, which is scheduled to open on September 13, 2025. This new establishment will honor the legacy of a previous Lexington favorite, Cut Corner Records, which operated from 1979 until CD Central’s move to its current location. Cut Corner Records will be helmed by Bob Lewis, a Louisville native and old acquaintance of musician Chris Stapleton, along with former employee Tony Manuel and a silent third partner.
The new ownership plans to retain most of CD Central’s inventory and fixtures, ensuring a smooth transition for customers eager to continue their shopping experience. Baron has agreed to lease the building to the new owners while expressing his support for their vision of maintaining the store as a music hub within the Lexington community.
The closure of CD Central has triggered a surge of appreciation from the local music community, which recognizes the store’s cultural contributions. The store has played a significant role in hosting local artists and in-store performances. Additionally, CD Central has been an active participant in Record Store Day since its inception in 2008, further reflecting its commitment to fostering community engagement and a shared passion for music.
Customer experiences over the years highlight how CD Central has served not just as a retail space, but as a vital center for discovering local music and creating a sense of belonging, particularly among University of Kentucky students. The store is characterized by its deep connections with the local community that extend far beyond monetary transactions, providing a place for music lovers to come together and share their passion.
In recognition of his significant contributions to the local music scene, Baron was honored with a proclamation from the Lexington Mayor on August 28, 2025, declaring it CD Central Day. As the iconic record store prepares to close, the legacy it has built over the past three decades will continue to resonate in the hearts of its customers and through the new ownership of Cut Corner Records.
FAQ
Why is CD Central closing?
CD Central is closing due to owner Steve Baron’s personal desire to retire, travel, and spend more time with family, rather than due to financial difficulties.
When will CD Central officially close?
The store is scheduled to close following the Labor Day holiday in September 2025.
What will happen to CD Central after it closes?
The store will transition into a new record store called Cut Corner Records, which will open on September 13, 2025, under new ownership.
Who will run Cut Corner Records?
Cut Corner Records will be run by Bob Lewis, a former acquaintance of musician Chris Stapleton, along with former employee Tony Manuel and a silent partner.
Will the new store keep CD Central’s inventory?
Yes, the new owners plan to retain most of CD Central’s inventory and fixtures to ensure a seamless transition for customers.
Key Features of CD Central and Cut Corner Records
| Feature | CD Central | Cut Corner Records |
|---|---|---|
| Year Established | 1995 | 2025 |
| Previous Location | South Hill Station, South Limestone | Same location as CD Central |
| Owner | Steve Baron | Bob Lewis, Tony Manuel |
| Closing Date | September 2025 | September 13, 2025 (Opening) |
| Inventory | Current Inventory | Most of CD Central’s Inventory Retained |
| Community Engagement | Local artist shows, Record Store Day participation | Plans to continue music community engagement |
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: CD Central to close after 30 years in Lexington
- Wikipedia: CD Central
- LEX 18: CD Central to close after 30 years in Lexington
- Google Search: CD Central Lexington
- Smiley Pete: CD Central passes the mic to a familiar name
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Music
- Fox 56: Downtown Lexington’s CD Central to close after 30 years
- Google News: CD Central
- WTVQ: Lexington’s CD Central to close after 30 years in business
- Google Scholar: Record Stores Impact on Local Music
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
