Our Story

Originally established in 1987, The Ketch has been operated by the Howard family since June 1995.  Owner/operators Art and Janet Howard purchased the restaurant from previous owners who had briefly changed the name and format and returned the name to The Ketch Seafood Grill.

The Ketch Seafood Grill is truly a family business...Janet is a retired school teacher who bakes our cakes, tends to the Patio Garden and expedites on weekends.  Oldest daughter Emily worked as a server until graduating from UK and becoming a teacher.   Younger daughter Weslie started as a hostess and is currently an assistant manager and bartender.   Art began his restaurant career as one of the original partners at Alfalfa Restaurant.  He later joined the Marriott corporation as part of the opening team at the Resort at Griffin Gate where he was the Banquet Chef and later Executive Chef at The Mansion Restaurant.  He was hired as Executive Chef to establish the Hilary Boone Faculty Center on the campus of The University of Kentucky and later served as the clubs General Manager.  After leaving the faculty club he worked as General Manager of several local chain restaurants before taking over The Ketch Seafood Grill. 

Through the years The Ketch has been privledged to have some of the most talented associates in the Lexington restaurant scene as a part of our staff, including Debby Elswick our Assistant Manager/Bartender who has been with us since we opened in 1987 and long time employee Crystal Gill who is in charge of kitchen operations.  We consider Our staff to be truly a part of our family.

  In 2005 The Ketch added the popular Garden Patio with seating for  over 50 in a spacious outdoor setting which has become one of Lexington's premier outdoor dining venues.  Around the same time we introduced our Brunch menu which is available on Saturday and Sundays from 10 am to 2 PM.  The Ketch patio brunch has become a popular weekend tradition.

A visit to The Ketch Seafood Grill reminds our guests of that favorite little seafood joint they remember from summer vacations at the coast.  We feature numerous fresh seafood items and constantly ship in "Catch of the day" specials from around the country.  We guarantee an array of interesting "chef prepared" dishes at affordable prices in a casual setting.  We also feature a full bar with exotic tropical cocktails, beer and wine.