Here come the holidays, and the new, larger Carson’s is ready for the season
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Central Kentucky small businesses
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One of Lexington’s most anticipated restaurant openings of 2024 is about to experience its first holiday rush.
And the owners say they are ready.
Carson’s, a popular downtown Lexington dining destination, is taking advantage of its new event venue at the second larger location that opened June 21 in the former Andover Golf Club clubhouse.
“We are grateful to say that our event space, The Hudson is completely booked until Jan. 4th with three parties every day,” said Jayme Jackson Fichtner, president and co-owner of the company that also includes Carson’s at 362 E. Main St.
“We also have the Esquire room that holds 12 guests and our terrace, which accommodates up to 58 that still has some availability.”
Name of business: Carson’s Food & Drink
Owners: Mark and Jayme Jackson Fichtner
Locations and holiday hours: Original location downtown at 362 E. Main St. opened in 2016. The new second location opened in June 2024 in former Andover Golf Club clubhouse on Lexington’s east side near the growing Hamburg retail area. They are adding a brunch the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas.
How big are the holidays to you? “We are blessed to typically be busy all year long, but the holidays do add more business to our books because our guests typically eat more and drink more during celebrations. Who doesn’t want that dessert or extra drink when you are with friends and family?” said Fichtner.
“Gift card sales with holiday bounce back dollars also add a great deal of additional revenue to our Q4 sales. You can purchase a gift card at both locations or Carsonsfoodanddrink.com.
What’s the mood of diners this year? Are they complaining about inflation? “At Carsons, we are known for large portions and several quality drink options at reasonable prices so we have not felt any financial impact from our guests experience, “Fichtner said. “We hope that when you walk through our doors, you leave your worries and concerns at the door and prepare to relax and enjoy yourself!”
Are you trying anything different this year in terms of marketing? New tactics to reach new customers? “Having a multi-layer marketing approach while investing in print, billboard, digital and social media marketing works the best for our demographics,” Fichtner said. “We have a hearty marketing budget because we feel that you have to regularly invest in the community to stay top of mind with diners. The best marketing is a great experience and a pleased guest.”
Come early January, you’ll know the 2024 holiday season was successful if ... “You still need a reservation for dinner,” Fichtner said. “Although both restaurants recommend a reservation, Andover tends to have more availability to welcome walk-ins for lunch. We gauge part of our success based upon our repeat reservations that trickle over into the new year.”
This story was originally published November 22, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
