A fourth Fayette Mall restaurant closes. The tough market is blamed.

A fourth restaurant has closed at Fayette Mall, and its owners cited the tough Lexington market as a factor.

The Pub, a British pub-style restaurant at 8750 Mall Road, closed abruptly after Saturday night, according to a statement from owner Tavern Restaurant Group, based in Cincinnati.

“We have operated through the 10-year term of our original lease, but we are unable to justify renewing our lease in the current restaurant and sales environment in the Lexington market,” said Nick Sanders, a Lexington native and the owner of Tavern Restaurant.

In a post on Facebook, The Pub said the decision to close was “truly heartbreaking.” For questions about gift cards, the post said to call 513-518-5631 or email customerservice@dinetrg.com.

Meanwhile, Oak Springs Grill and Bourbon Bar, which opened in May 2016, also has closed.

Sarah Enlow, a spokeswoman for Fayette Mall, said Oak Springs closed in the spring.

An undated sign on the door announced the news and said customers who have gift cards can call 800-687-7494 for refunds.

The restaurant was meant to be the first of a new chain from Food Concepts International, which also owns Abuelo’s Mexican restaurant. The mall’s Abuelo’s closed to be refitted with dark woods and a full wall of bourbon barrel ends for the Oak Springs look. The restaurant seated 200 guests and employed 70.

Representatives of Food Concepts did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“I am not aware of any other planned restaurant closures at this time,” said Enlow, the mall spokeswoman. “Our leasing team is working diligently to bring new, exciting tenants to Fayette Mall. Our strategy is to bring fresh, new retail and entertainment options to the shopping center.”

At least two other mall restaurants closed earlier this year. Johnny Carino’s on Rojay Drive closed in July, and Newk’s Eatery on Nicholasville closed in October.

The restaurant closings come as dozens of new restaurants opened this year at The Summit at Fritz Farm, in the Hamburg shopping area, in the Distillery District on Manchester Street and in downtown Lexington.

This story was originally published December 4, 2017 at 10:03 AM with the headline "A fourth Fayette Mall restaurant closes. The tough market is blamed.."