Taco Punk / Empire Theater

8.5x11
High-Res Inkjet on cardstock

Opened just a few years after Dreamland—the first electric theater in Louisville—the Empire Theater was one of the city’s earliest single-screen movie houses. Located on East Market Street, it offered an intimate film-going experience, showing popular big-budget movies with major stars throughout the 1920s and 1930s. However, as newer first-run theaters like Loew's (now Louisville Palace) and Brown Theater opened, the Empire struggled to compete and eventually closed. It was rebranded as the Shel-Mar in the 1950s, ushering in a new era.

The Shel-Mar took the old theater in a bold direction, hosting Burlesque and strip shows alongside “blue films.” Ads from the time boasted “For the best in burlesk, go Shelmar,” drawing in crowds with promises of adult entertainment and air conditioning. The venue continued operating into the 1980s, before it eventually shuttered and was repurposed as storage and a junk shop.

In 2006, the building’s life as a cinema came full circle when Toast on Market opened, breathing new life into the space. After Toast moved, Taco Punk arrived in 2012, bringing a fresh, inventive approach to Mexican street food. Taco Punk wasn’t your average taco joint; it focused on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients, pushing the boundaries of what fast-casual dining could be. Despite gaining a loyal following for its bold flavors and ethical principles, Taco Punk faced challenges in balancing its quality and sustainability with the expectations of a casual, affordable taco spot. While its time was brief, Taco Punk made a lasting impact on the area and helped fuel the city’s interest in locally sourced, sustainable dining.

In 2016, Royals Hot Chicken moved into the space, continuing the building’s tradition as a local hotspot. The old Empire Theater’s colorful character, cast-iron details, and stained-glass canopy remain a testament to its long, vibrant history, standing as a symbol of East Market Street’s ever-evolving spirit.