I heard it through the grapevine that Diamond Pub & Billiards St. Matthews will soon be converted to The Fox Den by Louisville restauranteur Jared Fox Matthews. The target opening date is April 22, 2022.

News of Diamond Pub’s closure came earlier this morning on Facebook:

“After 15 years Diamond Pub and Billiards has decided to close our doors. We have loved serving you over the years, celebrating the good and the bad that life has to offer. One of our long time managers has decided to take over the space and to give the building a fresh, new look. Thanks for all the support over the years and we wish him the best of luck!”

Diamond Pub St. Matthews, Facebook

Matthews worked at Diamond for more than 15 years as bar manager and talent booker, and he now owns other Louisville establishments like Equus & Jacks, Black Rabbit and Lou Lou Food & Drink. He plans to give the space a much needed makeover but still keep the sports bar vibe.

So what does that mean? Well, the 11 pool tables are staying, and now there will be more darts, pinball, TVs and live music seven nights a week. There also will be chef-driven pub fare, an extensive beer menu and craft cocktails.

Matthews has been involved in the music scene, hence the emphasis on live music every night.

“Stepping away from the music scene was one of the hardest decisions, but now I get to combine my love for the music industry with my love for the service industry,” he says in a news release. “Having the opportunity to step back feet first in the same building to elevate a bar I helped brand and build 15 years ago is a dream come true.”

I asked if there would be any changes to Diamond Pub in the Highlands — aka “the old Jillian’s” — but as of press time, I haven’t heard back. Matthews did not purchase that location. I’ll keep you updated.