Popular Lexington chef expanding with new restaurant on Walton Ave.

The space formerly occupied by National Provisions is finally getting a new restaurant: Cole Arimes, the chef who owns the popular Coles 735 Main restaurant and bar, is planning to open a new place there called Epping’s.

Once a 7-Up and Falls City beer bottling depot, the landmark Lexington building was redeveloped by Walker Properties into a restaurant space in 2013. But it has been empty since National Provisions closed in September 2016 after owners Krim Boughalem and Andrea Sims bounced checks.

The pair were sued over restaurant-related debts; Walker Properties won a judgment but the case is under appeal.

According to court records, before National Provisions closed, Arimes and his partner, Richard Turnbull, had been in discussions about moving into the space but the deal fell through.

Now, according to a legal ad, Arimes is planning to apply for a liquor license for Epping’s at 264 Walton Ave. in mid-March.

Arimes was not immediately available for comment.

This story was originally published March 1, 2018 at 3:45 PM with the headline "Popular Lexington chef expanding with new restaurant on Walton Ave.."