Rose & Jim’s Bar and Grill: A Community Resilient Through Tragedy

A lively bar and grill scene with patrons enjoying food and drinks

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News Summary

Rose & Jim’s Bar and Grill in Lexington, Kentucky, has been a beloved community establishment since 1985. Despite recent challenges, including a violent crime incident, the bar showcases community support and resilience. Owner Jimalou Bayes emphasizes the importance of the bar as a gathering space while highlighting fundraising efforts for affected individuals. The bar continues to thrive with its unique offerings and local events.

Lexington, Kentucky – Rose & Jim’s Bar and Grill, a cherished local establishment since 1985, is navigating through both celebratory milestones and recent tragedies. The bar, previously known as ‘Little Jim’s’, was renamed after Jimalou Bayes’s mother took over ownership again, firmly establishing the venue as a community gathering spot. Bayes has successfully managed the bar and a nearby motel since 2007, marking 40 years of continual operation for the establishment.

Rose & Jim’s has earned accolades over the years, frequently recognized as the Best Bar and Best Bourbon Selection in Lexington. Despite facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the bar adapted by launching a drive-thru service, allowing it to maintain service while indoor dining was restricted. This innovative response highlighted the resilience of both the business and its owner in turbulent times.

The restaurant operates on a cash-only basis, caters to customers aged 21 and older, and boasts a menu filled with handcrafted burgers in a variety of styles, along with popular specials and other offerings like chicken salad, roast beef sliders, and potato soup. In addition to its culinary delights, the venue serves as an entertainment hub featuring live music, karaoke, cornhole, Jenga, and pool, complementing its outdoor seating options, which attract a diverse crowd.

While Jimalou Bayes has expressed no intention of passing on Rose & Jim’s to her children, encouraging them instead to pursue their own aspirations, the bar remains an important fixture in the local landscape. However, the community recently faced a shocking event that highlighted the vulnerability of even long-standing local favorites.

On May 22, 2023, a violent crime spree led by suspect Steven Sheangshang culminated in a shooting incident involving regular patron Dave DiLeonardo, mere steps from the bar. Prior to this encounter, Sheangshang had shot Scott County Sheriff’s Deputy Caleb Conley, escalating the severity of his actions. DiLeonardo was shot twice after he refused to surrender his truck to Sheangshang. He is now in recovery from severe injuries, which not only incur substantial medical expenses but also leave him battling PTSD from the traumatic event.

In response to the shooting, a GoFundMe campaign, along with other local fundraising initiatives, has been organized to support DiLeonardo during his recovery. Community members have rallied together, demonstrating their unity and commitment to aiding those affected by the violence. Jimalou Bayes expressed how surreal the incident felt, recognizing the bar as a second home for many patrons and the wider knit community around it.

As local authorities address the crimes with ongoing investigations and legal proceedings, efforts are also being made to provide support for both DiLeonardo and Deputy Conley’s family through various community initiatives. The resilience of Rose & Jim’s Bar and Grill, coupled with the outpouring of support from the local community, underscores the deep-rooted connection that exists between the establishment and its patrons, who continue to cherish it in troubling times.