Valley Station is the gateway to Derby City, according to Derby City Pizza owner Larry Davis, which is why he’s planning to build a shopping center next to his restaurant on Dixie Highway.

The plan is still in its early stages, but Larry knows he wants to construct a roughly six-unit center named Derby City Plaza with a fast-casual Vietnamese eatery inside called Mama Le’s. He also said he plans to keep the plaza local, filling it with Valley Station-based businesses.

Mama Le’s is named after Larry’s mother + inspired by her cooking. He said he pictures the fast-casual concept with a drive-thru and 50 seats for indoor dining, where it will operate similarly to Derby City Pizza’s counter-service.

Dishes on the menu will include Vietnamese classics like homemade egg rolls + pho noodle soup.

Larry opened the seventh location of Derby City Pizza at 12900 Dixie Hwy in October, and he looks to connect the parking lot from that restaurant to the Derby City Plaza at 12904 Dixie Hwy so guests can freely travel between the two entities.

The project must still cut through the red tape of opening a business — planning, zoning + blueprints — but he expects Derby City Plaza will be ready in the next year or two.

Mama Le’s is the latest eatery in a local expansion of Vietnamese food. In the last year, Louisville saw the opening of Paris Banh Mi & Bakery in the Highlands + the community breathed a sigh of relief when we learned Vietnam Kitchen in South Louisville would remain open and in family hands after the owners retire this year.

What local businesses do you want to see in Derby City Plaza? Tell us here.