Close-Up: Joe Darnall

Meet Joe Darnall! Local entrepreneur, deep-rooted Murray State Racer fan, and currently campaigning for a position on Murray City Council. Get to know Joe as our latest Interview with a Local!

How long have you lived in Murray?

I have lived in Murray for about 35 years. I was born in New Orleans and lived there as a small child for a couple years before my family returned home to Murray.

What is your favorite restaurant in Murray?

Los Portales. I have been going there since high school. I would go there with a little cash, eat a few baskets of chips and queso with sweet tea, and have been going ever since.

If you had $75 to spend in Murray, how would you spend it?

$75… okay this is pretty random, but I’d probably go to Trends and Treasures, I like stores like that. It’s always a treasure hunt. I’d go and look for some vinyl at Terrapin Station, or some books at the Bookrack. Maybe get some socks at Dan’s.

What is your favorite Murray memory?

March in Murray is always special. In 2010, the Racers were in the NCAA tournament playing Vanderbilt. When Danero Thomas hit the shot to win the game, my phone started ringing and didn’t stop for hours. I was crying in my living room when I heard some noise outside. I opened my front door and heard car horns. People were celebrating all over town. It was a year after the bad ice storm when I had seen people come together to help, and to go from that really tough time to hearing people celebrating together was something really special.

Describe Murray in 3 words to someone who has never visited.

This is home. You may have never been here, or know anyone here, but it really is like coming to a family reunion to a branch on your family you haven’t met before. There aren’t strangers here, just friends you haven’t met yet.