Cosmik fries are gone: COVID claims downtown Lexington restaurant in The Square
The coronavirus pandemic has claimed a major restaurant in downtown Lexington. HopCat, closed since the March shutdown, announced on Wednesday that it will not be reopening.
The restaurant at 410 West Short St. had left the possibility open even after the Michigan-based company filed for bankruptcy in June.
At the time founder Mark Sellers said they hoped to renegotiate the lease with The Square.
“We are currently in negotiations with the landlord and, as a result, have not made a decision about the timing of our reopening in Lexington,” Seller said. “We will make an announcement about this location as soon as we have any news to share. Thank you.”
But the restaurant posted on social media on Wednesday that that wouldn’t be happening.
“It is with a heavy heart that we confirm the rumors. We are permanently closed. We cannot say “Thank You” enough for the support you have given us the past 5 years. Thank you for welcoming us into Lexington with open arms and allowing us to bring you great food and beer, in exchange for the memories we will take with us,” HopCat said on Facebook.
The post blamed the COVID pandemic: “This pandemic has been nothing short of challenging for the restaurant industry as a whole. Before we go, we ask for one more favor. Please take the time to support the local breweries that we had the pleasure of supporting in Lexington. Country Boy Brewing, Alltech’s Lexington Brewing Company, Braxton Brewing Company, Blue Stallion Brewing Company, Against The Grain Brewery and Smokehouse - Thanks for being our friends. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please direct them to support@hopcat.com. Cheers. *Mic Drop*”
The Louisville location in the Highlands closed in July.
Known for its craft beer and “crack fries,” later redubbed “Cosmik Fries,” HopCat opened in Lexington in 2015 after a $3 million renovation to the downtown space. At the time, it was the seventh in the chain, which grew to 14 locations.
But the bankruptcy filing indicated that the growth came with a price: HopCat had more than $30 million in debt.
