HISTORY (continued)

When Dr. George Varden opened his pharmacy in 1891 his kindness and thoroughness were his trademarks. "Dr. Varden was the longest practicing, most successful, and best-known pharmacist in Parisian history.", states H.E. Everman in his book Bourbon County Since 1865

Both the building and the man became famous. The building was unrivaled in its beauty, and Varden was known throughout the area as a caring soul who provided medicine, a smile, and a hand whenever needed.

Stories are still told by folks who knew this caring pharmacist. One story tells of a father who was unable to pay for medicine needed for his sick children. Dr. Varden traded the prescriptions for some wood panels the man owned. In 2006, during the renovation of the Varden's Building those panels were found in the cellar. Today they are used to form the kitchen counter in the back dining room.

Another story tells of a young boy with a dislocated arm. The boy's father was unable to pay a doctor to reset the young boy's arm. The friendly pharmacist massaged and stretched the child's arm until it “popped” back into place.
 
This gorgeous building once housed both Dr Asriel's surgery office and Dr. Foster's dentist office on its second floor. The Vardens Building Grand Ballroom was the site for many soirées, dances, and cotillions and served as the ballroom for the Fordham Hotel, formerly located next door.

Dr. Varden's pharmacy was full of medicines, compounds, and tonics. A visitor to his store could also buy paint, nails, and tools. There was a soda fountain for refreshment and entertainment. The store sold a variety of everything. Next to the pills and remedies were guitar strings, rock candy, vanilla extract, perfume, and soap.

For 88 years the Vardens Building was owned by the same family. Dr. Varden operated the business with his son “Doctor Joe”.

Since 1952, the Vardens Building has housed two other pharmacies: Adams and Watson and Glen's Drugs.

The Vardens Building and its interior were designated a Kentucky Historic Landmark by Governor John Y. Brown, Jr. in 1981.

In 2000, the great granddaughters of Dr. Varden bought the building back and turned the building into a gift shop and gallery. The sisters, Jane and Kay, are the daughters of football coaching legend, Blanton Collier.

In 2006, the building was bought by Phillip and Trudy Tibbs. After extensive restoration and careful remodeling - Varden's Cafe, Specialty Foods, and Emporium opened.

VARDEN'S TODAY

Today the management and staff of Varden's still look to Dr. Varden as a role model and guide. As a father, grandfather, community leader, and businessman "Dr. George" set an example we strive to meet everyday. We take great pleasure in continuing the tradition of excellence Dr. Varden set.

We call it the "Varden's Experience".

A place where everyone matters and where everyone is special. Where folks ask "How are you?" and mean it. A place where service is a priority and a welcoming smile is paramount. We want our guests to feel like family.

We invite you to come and enjoy our "great food, great service, and great merchandise".

For 117 years Varden's has been a place where people find respite, comfort, and joy.

Phillip & Trudy Tibbs, along with Steve Walton and Matt Corbin, work hard to ensure the legacy of hospitality set forth by George Varden. We strive to make your experience GREAT!


The items in the emporium have been gathered from around Kentucky, the United States, and the World. We try and find things to make our guests smile. We look for interesting merchandise at GREAT prices.

We believe Varden's has a responsibility to continue the legacy George Varden began promoting in 1891. In today's corporate mega-store world, each of us desires a place that welcomes us, accepts us, and acknowledges our individuality.

We believe that great prices don't have to come at the cost of others. That is why we buy from manufacturers that ensure good wages and good working environments -be that here or abroad.

Varden's cares for the environment, and we use only recyclable and compostable products in our cafe. Varden's was the first company in Kentucky to begin the complete transition to Eco-products as their sole source for "disposable" food service products.

We invite you to come and experience Varden's.