I just hope she knew exactly how much this world adored her. There will never be another Marie.
It’s no exaggeration: Marie Zahn was one of the prime architects of the contemporary bar and cocktail scene in Louisville, dating back at least 17 years at nearly a dozen establishments, and with a legacy comprising not only recipes and bar programs, but mentees, co-workers, employees, customers and friends who loved and respected her.
High Horse Bar contributed this statement at Facebook.
On the heels of an already tough week, we are devastated by the loss of our friend and business partner Marie Zahn, who died this weekend of an unexpected medical event in her home. Marie has been a part of our group since Jimmy Can’t Dance, and made her mark well before that creating and executing some of the best bar programs in the city. Marie was our partner, our boss, our friend and our family. She changed people’s lives with her energy and she changed this city with her businesses that will now live on in her honor. We will be hosting a memorial for her on Thursday at 6PM at High Horse. Please join us to lean on each other and celebrate her life. She is love now.
Food & Dining columnist Sara Havens also remembered Marie.
Marie made me many drinks over the years, but she also helped me understand the philosophies, thought processes and reasonings behind every drop of liquor and mixer, except for maybe Fireball. I’m still in shock, as is the entire Louisville nightlife community, that she’s no longer slinging gin behind the bar or coming up with a new business idea. I will cherish my memories and continue to pass on her wisdom.
With the help of F&D’s editor-in-chief Marty Rosen, I’ve collected this collage of quotes and social media references*, arranged somewhat chronologically as they pertain to Marie’s professional stops, in hopes of providing an overview of her achievements, alongside admittedly small tastes of the devotion she inspired.
Marie’s abiding influence on those with whom she interacted in the hospitality trade is epochal. We’re unlikely to experience such a phenomenon again.
Marie freely gave her knowledge and expertise, inspiring others to follow in her vocational (and artistic) footsteps. As so many of the following comments attest, she mentored, encouraged and instilled a joyous professionalism. Colleagues looked up...Read more
