Feast at the Finish Line

When the sun rises over the Twin Spires on Thanksgiving morning, Churchill Downs will hum with a different kind of anticipation. The scent of roast turkey mingles with the crisp autumn air, and the clatter of hooves on dirt adds a thrilling soundtrack to a day usually reserved for family gatherings. There, in one of the most iconic venues in the world, tradition takes on a distinctly Kentucky twist.

For many, Thanksgiving is a holiday built on cherished customs: recipes passed down through generations, familiar faces around the dining table and the comforting rhythm of a day spent at home. But at Churchill Downs, those familiar rituals take on a new life. The holiday unfolds against the backdrop of live racing, where the energy of live racing pulses through every bite. It's a celebration of comfort, community and the kind of hospitality that only Churchill Downs can deliver.

At the heart of this culinary spectacle is Robert Lopez, Senior Executive Chef at Levy Restaurants. He leads the charge in crafting a holiday meal that's both familiar and unforgettable. "Thanksgiving at Churchill Downs has the same heart as a traditional family holiday meal," he says, "but the setting and energy make it special."

It's a setting that transforms the familiar into the extraordinary. The historic venue, known for its pageantry and prestige, becomes a place where families gather not just to eat, but to experience something truly memorable. The excitement of the races, the elegance of the surroundings and the warmth of Kentucky hospitality all come together to create a Thanksgiving unlike any other.

"Our guests can enjoy the comfort foods they know and love, while watching live racing at one of the most renowned locations in the world," adds Lopez. "It's a mix of tradition, energy and Kentucky hospitality that you just can't recreate at home."

Churchill Downs transforms the holiday into something uniquely memorable. It's still Thanksgiving-but with a finish line.

No Thanksgiving table is complete without the staples-roast turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy and cranberry relish-and Churchill Downs delivers all these familiar comforts guests expect. But in true Kentucky fashion, the menu also features a few flavorful twists that make the meal uniquely local.

Chef Robert Lopez and his team lean into regional ingredients with Southern flair to elevate the classics. Bourbon-glazed sweet potatoes bring a rich, caramelized depth to the plate, while bread pudding finished with bourbon adds a decadent touch to dessert. "We keep the menu rooted in Kentucky while still feeling like Thanksgiving overall," says Lopez.

This year, guests will be treated to some new seasonal twists on the traditional Thanksgiving dishes, including one of Chef Lopez's favorites: the Bourbon Cranberry Sorghum Chutney. Made with cranberries, golden raisins and tart apples, it's a vibrant addition that's already generating buzz. "It's the perfect balance of rich and sweet without being too heavy," Lopez gushes. "We know our guests are going to love this one!"

From the first bite to the last crumb, the menu is designed to feel both comforting and celebratory. It's a feast that honors heritage while embracing the flavors of Kentucky, which is proof that even the most familiar dishes can surprise you when served with a little Bluegrass spirit. Chef Robert Lopez and his team at Levy Restaurants take pride in sourcing ingredients from local and regional producers, ensuring that the holiday menu reflects the flavors and spirit of the Commonwealth.

"We try to use a lot of Kentucky-grown produce like sweet potatoes, corn, and greens," Lopez details. "And we try to source from regional farmers and purveyors whenever we can. It keeps the menu fresh, seasonal, and keeps us connected to the community."

From bourbon in the glaze to the sorghum in the chutney, the ingredients tell a story of place. It's a quiet but meaningful way to celebrate Kentucky-one plate at a time.

Pulling off a Thanksgiving feast at home is no small task, but feeding more than 10,000 guests over a holiday weekend at a live racetrack? That's a whole different level of coordination. At Churchill Downs, the culinary team led by Chef Lopez operates like a well-oiled machine, with multiple kitchens, detailed schedules and a shared commitment to delivering a seamless experience.

Planning begins months in advance, with menus finalized early in the fall. From there, it's a cascade of logistics: ordering ingredients, organizing staff and mapping out service across the venue's many dining spaces. "Prepping begins the week of the holiday," Lopez explains, "but the organization, ordering, and scheduling happen well in advance to make sure everything runs smoothly."

The biggest challenge? Timing. With live racing happening throughout the day, every plate must be served with precision. "We are serving a traditional holiday meal in the middle of a live racing day," Lopez says. "So everything has to be carefully orchestrated when it comes to production, staffing and service."

It's a high-stakes operation, but one that the Levy culinary team embraces with pride. Because of them, Thanksgiving isn't just about feeding people, it's about creating moments

they'll never forget. And for Chef Lopez, this holiday isn't just a professional production-it's personal.

Amidst the thousands of plates served and the countless moving parts behind the scenes, there's one dish he always looks forward to: dressing. "Everyone has their own take on what dressing should be," Lopez says, "so there are always new versions to try. It has always been a favorite of mine and is almost always guaranteed to be on every Thanksgiving menu." From cornbread-based to herb-heavy, or even studded with sausage and apples, dressing is a dish that inspires both conversation and nostalgia. It's a staple that connects guests to their own family traditions, even as they experience Thanksgiving in a new setting.

Lopez's appreciation for dressing reflects the broader philosophy behind the Churchill Downs holiday menu: honoring the familiar while embracing creativity. It's about finding comfort in the classics, while also leaving room for surprise-like a bourbon-infused dessert or tangy chutney that guests didn't know they needed. In a celebration that's as much about sentiment and history as it is about flavor and taste, those personal touches make all the difference.

Thanksgiving at Churchill Downs is more than a meal-it's a moment. It's the comforting taste of tradition served with a side of excitement and thrill, where families gather not just to eat, but to experience something extraordinary. From the first race to the last bite, the day is a celebration of Kentucky's flavors, hospitality and spirit.

Chef Lopez and his team bring passion and precision to every plate, honoring the classics while adding just enough local flair to make the holiday feel fresh and exciting. For many guests, celebrating at the track has become a beloved tradition that blends the warmth of home and the thrill of the races. It might just become your family favorite too-the track awaits.