LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Since Gov. Andy Beshear announced a ban on indoor dining, restaurants have worked to adapt their outdoor spaces for the winter months. Times are tough, but some are keeping the faith in their community for support.
Bluegrass Hospitality Group owns several restaurants in Lexington and across the state. Like everyone else, they've continued to adjust to mandates to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
"We've erected tents, we've added seating at our heated tents and as well as our heated patios. And we've continued to do a ton of carry-out," co-owner Brian McCarty said.
That's why if you visit Malone's, Harry's or Drake's, you'll notice almost double the parking spots for carry-out orders and big tents with heaters. McCarty says between the restaurants, nearly 1,000 people rely on them for an income.
"We're not worried about expense at this point. We're worried about our team members and keeping those jobs alive. We've invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in tents and heaters with one goal in mind, and that's to keep our team members employed," McCarty said.
While the future remains unpredictable, BHG remains hopeful.
"The support that this community has given us, this shutdown, the previous shutdown and the entire pandemic, and quite frankly the entire 22 years we've been in business here in Lexington is nothing short of phenomenal," McCarty said.
Local BHG restaurants open for heated patio and heated tent dining, carry-out and delivery include: Malone’s (Lansdowne, Hamburg, Palomar), Harry’s (Hamburg, Palomar), Drake’s (Lansdowne, Hamburg, Brannon Crossing).
