Lexington, September 1, 2025
News Summary
Lexington has introduced Ember, an upscale dining venue that enhances the culinary landscape with its innovative wood-ember grill. Opened on June 25, Ember offers a varied menu featuring hand-cut aged steaks, seafood, and in-house pasta, all crafted to elevate the dining experience. The restaurant caters to 110 guests indoors, with plans for an outdoor patio in the future. Spearheaded by Foundry Hospitality Group and President Steven Cook, Ember aims to satisfy the long-standing demand for high-quality dining options in Lexington.
Lexington Welcomes Ember Restaurant’s Upscale Dining Experience
Lexington residents can now experience an upscale dining option with the opening of Ember on June 25, 2025. The restaurant promises to elevate the local culinary scene by featuring a unique wood-ember grill that enhances the flavor of its dishes, particularly steaks.
This establishment is the latest project of the Foundry Hospitality Group, based in Columbia, and led by the esteemed President Steven Cook, a recognized figure in the restaurant industry. The enthusiasm surrounding Ember has been considerable, as local residents have expressed a desire for a dining venue of this caliber for over a decade.
Ember celebrated its soft opening on June 4, 2025, in a location that was once home to Alodia’s Cucina Italiana. The restaurant’s seating capacity accommodates 110 guests and is supported by a staff of 35 employees, primarily drawn from the local workforce.
Restaurant Features and Menu
The interior of Ember boasts a stylish design characterized by dark woods and gold accents, creating an upscale yet inviting atmosphere reminiscent of mid-century modern aesthetics. A planned phase two will introduce an outdoor all-weather patio that is set to seat an additional 50 guests, enhancing overall capacity.
Ember’s menu includes a selection of hand-cut aged steaks, sustainably sourced seafood, soups, salads, and house-made pastas. Noteworthy dishes include a hearty beef short rib and a visually appealing seafood tower intended for sharing, which features chilled lobster tail, oysters, pickled shrimp, and tuna tartare. Additionally, the in-house pasta offerings showcase a pappardelle dish with spring pea cream and crispy mushrooms, providing a fresh take on Italian cuisine.
The cocktail menu is curated to change seasonally, with unique offerings crafted by General Manager Liz Chastain. Standout beverages such as “One-Oh-One” and “Bird of Paradise” aim to complement the food offerings and enhance the overall dining experience.
Future Enhancements
With the commitment to continuous improvement, Cook has indicated that customers can expect Ember to evolve positively over time, aiming for a better dining experience within a month and even greater advancements in the subsequent months.
As a community-focused dining establishment, Ember aims to not only satisfy culinary cravings but also to showcase the immense talent found within the local workforce, highlighting impressive staffing levels that contribute to a quality experience for all guests.
Background Context
The decision to launch Ember aligns with the emerging demands of the Lexington area, which is seeing a growing population and increased interest in upscale dining options. Foundry Hospitality Group is tapping into this trend by providing high-quality food and a vibrant atmosphere that residents have long sought.
Key Details at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Date | June 25, 2025 |
| Soft Opening | June 4, 2025 |
| Location | Formerly Alodia’s Cucina Italiana |
| Seating Capacity | 110 indoor, 50 outdoor (planned) |
| Staff Size | 35 |
| Signature Menu Items | Beef short rib, seafood tower, pappardelle |
| Cocktail Menu | Seasonal offerings |
FAQ
What type of cooking method does Ember use?
Ember features a unique wood-ember grill that delivers rich, smoky flavors to its dishes.
What is the capacity of Ember restaurant?
The restaurant can seat 110 patrons indoors and plans to accommodate an additional 50 on an outdoor patio.
What are some signature dishes offered at Ember?
Notable signature dishes include hand-cut aged steaks, a seafood tower, and house-made pasta meals.
Who oversees the cocktail menu at Ember?
The cocktail menu is overseen by General Manager Liz Chastain, featuring unique seasonal drinks.
When was Ember’s soft opening?
The soft opening for Ember took place on June 4, 2025.
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Additional Resources
- Columbia Business Report: Ember Restaurant Opening
- Wikipedia: Restaurant
- WIS TV: Lexington Small Business Trouble
- Google Search: Lexington Small Business
- The State: Local News Article
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lexington, South Carolina
- Greenville Business Magazine: Midlands Economic Development
- Google Scholar: Midlands Economic Development
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
