Lexington seafood restaurant sold; owner talks what’s next for Southland landmark
Another era in Lexington dining is sailing off into the sunset: The Ketch Seafood Grill, a longtime seafood restaurant on Southland Drive, has been sold.
Owner Art Howard said Tuesday that the restaurant will be open through July 24, so longtime customers can come say goodbye.
Howard said that he told restaurant employees Tuesday about the sale. He did not disclose who is buying the landmark, which has been open under different owners since 1987.
He said that it is being purchased by a group of local investors “who are dedicated to the Southland area and to honoring the Ketch.”
The restaurant will be closing for an extensive remodel and then reopen, probably under a slightly different name, Howard said.
“I think it will be different but I think the Ketch will be part of the name,” he said.
Howard, who owned the business for 28 years, said he plans to retire after a career in restaurants including being one of the original six partners in Alfalfa when it opened on South Limestone, and at one time at Red Hot & Blue Barbecue in Chevy Chase.
“It’s been a long ride, a very interesting long ride,” Howard said. “It’s time.”
This story was originally published July 18, 2023 at 4:31 PM.
