Longtime restaurant spot on Woodland coming back thanks to a popular Lexington chef
A familiar face is moving into the empty restaurant spot at the corner of Woodland Avenue and High Street: Popular Lexington chef Ranada Riley plans to open a new restaurant there after Thanksgiving.
The spot was formerly the home of several restaurants, including Chatham’s, and was the original home of Lexington dining staple Ramsey’s Diner. Chatham’s closed in 2017. The original Ramsey’s restaurant closed in 2014 but owner Rob Ramsey has four other locations.
The chef, who most recently opened the popular take-out/family meal and catering spot Ranada’s Kitchen on South Ashland, said the new space will give her room to spread out indoors and out.
“We’ve outgrown it. I cannot push out the amount of family meals in this place,” she said. “But it will still be called Ranada’s Kitchen.”
She hopes to begin takeout/curbside service in December from the Woodland Avenue storefront behind the restaurant. With the new dining restrictions in place until Dec. 13, Riley said she will delay seating inside until January. The South Ashland location will close after Thanksgiving.
The new restaurant will be a full-service upscale/casual place, featuring the kind of food she’s becoming known for at her previous eateries.
Riley said plans again to focus on local music and art as well as local food. She’s hoping to bring some nostalgic touches with nods to Lexington restaurants that have disappeared such as a la lucie’s.
Riley said the patio at the new location will be a big plus in warm weather, especially with the coronavirus pandemic.
Until the new restaurant opens, she plans to continue offering family meals and online cooking classes.
