Versailles dining staple known for holiday buffet is closing
A Versailles bed and breakfast known for its restaurant and bar is closing after several years.
The Woodford Inn announced on social media that the current restaurant and B and B will be closing before the end of the year. Business owners Laura Schondel and Richard L. Ray said in the post that they lost their lease on the historic property at 140 Park St.
The owners did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce The Woodford Inn will be closing this month. Our landlord has decided to go a different direction with the property and will not be moving forward with us in the new year,” they wrote. “It is incredibly disappointing as we have experienced a lot of growth in the restaurant this year and felt like that trend would continue, but the decision is out of our hands. It has been an honor and a privilege building our business in this community and building the relationships we have with our neighbors who have supported us along the way.”
The Woodford Inn has become known for its holiday buffet meals in particular.
There is still time to go for a last meal, last visit or a last drink in the bar: The Woodford Inn will be open for normal hours through Tuesday Dec. 23, then will host a reservations-only Christmas Eve dinner.
The owners said if there is enough customer interest they would like to remain open for a final weekend after Christmas as well. They encouraged patrons to make reservations so they can plan for staffing.
They also said they are looking for an alternative local location to reopen both the restaurant and the bed and breakfast .
According to the inn’s website, the original 1865 building was an all-female orphanage built from land bequeathed by farmer John Cleveland. The Cleveland Orphan Home was demolished in 1926 and the current structure was built. It served as a home for girls and young women in need until 2005 when the Cleveland Home and Life Adventure Center, another Woodford County institution, merged. Since 2006, it has been a hotel and home to several restaurants.
