What caused Zim’s Cafe to close? Owner talks changes to downtown customers
Outia Michel, owner of Zim’s Cafe, said the loss of downtown workers following the pandemic contributed to slower business and ultimately the decision to close.
Zim’s Cafe and The Thirsty Fox, which opened in the Historic Lexington Courthouse in 2018, announced Monday that it would close permanently on Dec. 31. The restaurant from James Beard semifinalist Michel and her husband, Chris, was the original anchor tenants to the restored building.
Before the pandemic hit in 2020, there were frequently breakfast business meetings held there and the restaurant was averaging 250 lunches a day for the first year of business.
Now, with many people working from home at least part-time, foot traffic has dropped dramatically, she said.
“We just couldn’t get the sales to stop falling at Zim’s,” Michel said.
Higher food and labor costs, and competition from newer restaurants, also contributed to the decision to close.
But their other restaurants, including Honeywood, Smithtown Seafood and Windy Corner Market in Lexington, and Wallace Station, Midway Bakery and Holly Hill Inn in Midway are not in jeopardy, she said.
“We’ve had a rough year, no doubt. It’s been a rocky year for everybody,” she said. “I don’t think you’re going to find a restaurateur in Lexington who is having a great year.”
But she said that the right concept can still succeed in the historic courthouse space. She said tourism, particularly newcomers brought in by Bites of the Bluegrass and hostess Erin Goins, was a bright spot.
“I hope another restaurant can go in it, I loved the building. It’s incredible that Lexington invested in that,” Michel said.
And, downtown business is still thriving during events such as University of Kentucky basketball games, she said.
“I hope they can find someone else to lease it … The kitchen is great, all my equipment is for sale,” Michel said. “There are a lot of bright spots downtown, which has become more an events downtown, rather than a working downtown.
“I love my city, I loved being included in the courthouse,” Michel said. “I’m grateful for all the support, all the customers who crossed our door.”
