News Summary
A new steakhouse named Ember will open in downtown Lexington in late May 2025. Featuring expertly aged steaks and sustainably sourced seafood, Ember aims to provide a premium dining experience with a wood ember grill and a curated cocktail menu. Managed by industry veterans, the restaurant will offer sophisticated dining spaces, private options for events, and a strong focus on quality ingredients. Ember is expected to enhance the local dining scene and attract a diverse clientele.
LEXINGTON – A new upscale steakhouse named Ember is set to open its doors in downtown Lexington at 101 W. Main Street in late May 2025. Featuring expertly aged, hand-cut steaks, sustainably sourced seafood, and house-made pastas, Ember aims to provide a premium dining experience that merges tradition with innovation.
The restaurant will showcase a signature wood ember grill, enhancing the flavors of both steaks and seafood. Ember will also offer a curated cocktail program that includes a mix of timeless classics and modern creations, alongside a prominent wine cellar containing an impressive selection of premium wines available by the glass.
Ember is spearheaded by a team of well-respected industry veterans and local restaurateurs, including Ryan Jones, Steve Cook, and Joe Walker. Jones, who has previously served as the general manager of Hall’s Chophouse, will take the role of managing partner at Ember. Cook has recently received the honor of Restaurateur of the Year from the South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association, highlighting his notable contributions to the restaurant industry. Walker, a U.S. Army combat veteran with extensive experience in managing multi-unit restaurant operations, rounds out the leadership team.
The interior of Ember, designed by 1X1 Design, Inc., will feature warmly lit spaces with mixed metals, creating an inviting yet sophisticated dining atmosphere. Ember is also designed to accommodate various functions, offering private and semi-private dining options for corporate events and special celebrations.
As renovations to the building are nearing completion with Boyer Construction involved, Ember is focused on using quality ingredients and sustainable sourcing practices in its menu. The restaurant seeks to honor culinary tradition while also embracing innovation, ensuring that guests enjoy a welcoming dining experience that combines comfort with luxury.
Although many details about Ember’s final name and menu offerings are still forthcoming, updates will be shared as the opening date approaches. Overall, the restaurant is poised to become a notable addition to the Lexington dining scene, catering to both local residents and visitors alike.
Downtown Lexington has seen a revival of dining options in recent years, making it a desirable location for new establishments like Ember. With its commitment to quality and excellence, the steakhouse is expected to attract a diverse clientele, eager to experience its distinctive offerings. The development of Ember is part of a broader trend of upscale dining establishments focusing on craftsmanship and quality in both food and service.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chic New Steakhouse ‘Ember’ Set to Open in Lexington
Ember Steakhouse Set to Open in Lexington by May 2025
New Steakhouse Ember Set to Open in Downtown Lexington
Columbia Sets New Record with $9.25 Million Estate Sale
New Steakhouse Ember to Open in Downtown Lexington
Lexington, SC Road Closure and New Steakhouse Opening
New Steakhouse to Open in Lexington, SC
New Hotel and Steakhouse Planned for Downtown Lexington, S.C.
New Steakhouse to Open in Downtown Lexington
New Hotel and Restaurants Set to Open in Lexington, S.C. by 2025
Additional Resources
- Cola Daily: Steakhouse Coming to Downtown Lexington
- Wikipedia: Steakhouse
- WLTX: Lexington Hotel Proposal Downtown
- Google Search: Lexington Hotel Proposal
- Cola Daily: Modern Steakhouse Coming to Main Street in Lexington
- Google Scholar: Lexington Steakhouse News
- WISTV: Town of Lexington Holds Veterans Day Parade
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lexington, South Carolina
- The State: Local News Article
- Google News: Lexington South Carolina News

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.


