In 1946 the
Green Derby Restaurant was born on Newport's York Street. Family run for over 60 years, the restaurant built up a loyal following, but in June of 2009 the family decided to close up shop. Luckily for many loyal patrons, the restaurant did not sit dormant for long.
Almost as soon as the restaurant closed it had gained the attention of local restaurant manager Tom Cardosi who had run his own family-style restaurant for over thirty years at
Walt's Hitching Post in Kenton County.
"Walt's Hitching Post and Green Derby are very similar restaurants," said Tom Cardosi, general manager of the Green Derby Restaurant , who says that the family-run style of business is what really draws the two together.
As a result, Cardosi says he did not change much about the Green Derby.
"We kept most everything the same," he says, but acknowledges close to $250,000 in renovation and enhancements. The restaurant's 38 new employees will work with new floors, kitchen equipment, new paint, ceilings and some other work designed by David Hosea.
Cardosi says that the restaurant is still known for its famous award-winning fish sandwich, its pies and liver and onions combination. Open for lunch and dinner daily, prices at the Derby run between $9 and $20 for an entree, but Cardosi notes that most plates end up averaging around $12.
The Green Derby Restaurant officially reopened on Thursday, October 1 and Cardosi says business has been good. "It's been a great experience so far. They had a great following and it's just been gangbusters since day one," said Cardosi.
The Green Derby Restaurant (
map) is open Sunday through Thursday from 11am to 9pm, and Friday through Saturday 11am to 11pm. For more information call (859) 431-8740.
Writer:
Randy A. SimesPhotography by Scott BeselerStay connected by following Randy on Twitter
@SoapboxRandy
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