OWENSBORO, KY. - Chef Bill Hughes’ culinary evolution in Owensboro has come full circle. Hughes, originally from Leitchfield, Kentucky, came to Owensboro in 1989 by way of Charleston, South Carolina, where he attended culinary school at Johnson and Wales University.

The Campbell Club, 521 Frederica St., closed in 2017. But the iconic building will reopen around March 1 as The Cupola Club.

Although it is becoming rare, there is still room in the local culinary world for the uniqueness of a private dining club with all the benefits membership brings.

Just under six months later, [Bill] has 375 members, including one person from Maine who makes frequent trips to Owensboro on business. “Business has been strong,” Hughes said.

Whether they’ve lived In Kentucky all their lives or brought their culinary talents here from distant lands, one thing remains the same. Some of the state’s top chefs continue to prepare phenomenal food flavored by the traditions, cultures and inspirations of their past.