Mexican chain expanding in Lexington; new location on Harrodsburg

A major burrito chain is expanding in Lexington: Moe’s Southwest Grill is adding a restaurant on Harrodsburg Road.

Owner Neil Griffeth said the restaurant, which is the second-biggest burrito chain behind Chipotle and one of the fastest-growing concepts nationally, will be opening in about two months.

The location at 1975 Harrodsburg Road is being renovated; it’s next to the Frisch’s Restaurant in a building that has been a variety of businesses, including a Lynn Imaging and a U-Haul dealership.

This will be his third Moe’s in Lexington, along with one on Rojay Drive and a spot in the Fayette Mall food court.

He said they are looking for more places, either in Lexington or the surrounding communities.

That should make fans of the chain happy. Moe’s had a strong following, particularly in the South. Moe’s started in Atlanta in 2000 and has grown to more than 700 stores in 39 states and the District of Columbia.

All the restaurants are locally owned; Griffeth said he moved to Lexington from Atlanta to open Moe’s here.

The fast-casual Mexican menu features burritos, quesadillas, tacos, nachos, salsas and quesos, and salads. Many names have pop culture references, such as the “Alright, Alright, Alright” nachos, a reference to Matthew McConaughey’s line in “Dazed and Confused.”

This story was originally published February 2, 2018 at 9:15 AM with the headline "Mexican chain expanding in Lexington; new location on Harrodsburg."