Two longtime Lexington fine-dining restaurants are calling it quits. One is gone already.
With the coronavirus pandemic surging and economic uncertainty hitting Kentucky hospitality industry hard, at least two longtime fine-dining Lexington restaurants are closing their doors for good.
The Chop House at 2640 Richmond Rd. served its last meals on Sunday night after almost 26 years in business.
Jeff Roberts, one of the managing partners in the Tennessee-based steakhouse chain, said Monday that the coronvirus pandemic and the economic fallout had been the determining factor.
“It’s been a catastrophic year,” Roberts said. He said the lease on the building was coming up for renewal in December and he and his partners had to decide whether to try to renegotiate or “bow out gracefully.”
They let patrons know that they would be closing and were overwhelmed over the weekend by the flood of last-time diners who lined up around the building for one last meal.
“It was almost emotional,” he said. “Lot of tears.”
Roberts said that with Gov. Andy Beshear closing the restaurant to dining in for at least three weeks, they decided just to close so that their almost 60 employees could file for unemployment and “not crush Christmas.” Those who wish to transfer to another location will be welcomed, he said.
“We love Kentucky, it’s been a great run for us,” Roberts said. “We may be back ... there’s some good potential here, possibly in Hamburg or Pinnacle, once this is over.”
J. Michael Connor, president and CEO of Chop House parent Connor Concepts said closing was a very tough and sad decision.
“The last few years have been a challenge but we have had similar challenges over the years. This year we were sure we would be getting back to normal. Not so! The pandemic has hit hard,” Connor said in a statement. “But of the six states we have restaurants none have been as restrictive as Kentucky. Many of our restaurants in other states have actually recovered well. Some have achieved the same or slightly less sales as last year at this time. And we have been able to employ our full staff. Cutting indoor dining out at the busiest time of year for us assures significant business losses. And furloughing most of our staff at this time is depressing. I am not willing to face the possibility of any adverse statistics in future and have the powers in state decide its best to shut us down again.”
Portofino owners retiring
Another restaurant in downtown Lexington is also is closing.
Portofino, 249 E. Main St., will be closing Jan. 1 after 21 years, said owner Wayne Masterman.
He said in a statement that he and his wife, Susan, are retiring. The restaurant’s lease is ending and the Portofino art collection will be for sale, he said.
He did not comment on impact of the pandemic. The restaurant closed on Nov. 20 but will reopen if restrictions are dining in are lifted, according to a Facebook post.
“It has been a great privilege for us to have been part of the Bluegrass business community. Speaking for the entire Portofino team led by managing partner Robby Carter, we are humbled and grateful for the support of our patrons and guests for the past twenty-one years. We are proud of the awards and achievements that our diligent and dedicated staff has helped us earn. It’s been a great adventure. We’ve enjoyed the work and we’ve had fun,” Wayne Masterman said. “The building’s owners have been extremely supportive of our mission to operate a fine dining restaurant and without their generosity and encouragement we would not have been successful.”
The Mastermans will continue to own Serafini Restaurant in Frankfort and Goose & Gander in Midway, he said.
This story was originally published November 23, 2020 at 1:48 PM.
