J.C. Elzy barbecues chicken at the Dem 2 Brothers and a Grill food vendor stand on opening night of the 34th annual Multiifest at Haddad Riverfront Park in ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä Thursday, August 1, 2024.
This is a March 10, 2024 file photo of the former Books & Brews building on West Washington Street, in ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä, which also housed Sergio's Cucina Italiana & Pizzas, which closed in the summer of 2025. The building has been sold and will become Kel's Tavern.
This is a March 10, 2024 file photo of the former Books & Brews building on West Washington Street, in ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä, which also housed Sergio's Cucina Italiana & Pizzas, which closed in the summer of 2025. The building has been sold and will become Kel's Tavern.
STEVEN KEITH | Courtesy photo
Within days of former owner Sergio Lugo-Mata selling his Italian eatery — Sergio's Cucina Italiana & Pizzas — on ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä’s West Side, a new restaurant called Kel’s Tavern is already set to take over the space.
Based on its identical logo, the new ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä spot at 222 Washington St. W. appears to be a second location of the Kel’s Tavern that just opened in Ashland, Kentucky, a few weeks ago. That restaurant at 1537 Winchester Ave. offers a fairly traditional menu of “elevated dishes at affordable prices,†which is what they plan to bring to ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä as well.
Offerings at the Ashland spot include appetizers like Buffalo chicken empanadas, Captain Morgan-battered sweet-and-spicy shrimp, fried green tomatoes and signature crispy fried potato medallions smothered with creamy beer cheese, bacon and scallions.
Handhelds feature a Philly cheesesteak, a beer-battered fish sandwich, a meatloaf sandwich (with sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, fried onions and bourbon glaze), burgers and more, plus there are a few traditional salads to complement your meal.
Kel's Tavern features bourbon-glazed salmon with asparagus and mashed potatoes, shown in this undated photo.
Courtesy photo
You can dive into slow-cooked short ribs, a bone-in pork chop, bourbon-glazed salmon, a one-pound hand-cut ribeye or fish and chicken entrees for dinner, or pony up to pasta options like grilled chicken Marsala or many chicken or shrimp alfredo or scampi.
There are also more than a dozen sides, a few traditional desserts and a kids’ menu.
“We’re thrilled to invite you to experience a new standard of dining right here in the heart of ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä,†the restaurant said in a Facebook post announcing its upcoming arrival in ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä. “At Kel’s Tavern, we specialize in elevated cuisine that reimagines traditional flavors while ensuring that exceptional food and service are accessible to all.â€
It goes on to tease a menu that local ingredients with creative twists.
“Whether you're searching for a cozy date night spot or a place to celebrate with friends, we have something for everyone at a price that won't break the bank.â€
Messages to the restaurant have not been returned, so stay tuned here for more details and a projected opening date.
The exterior of Bar 101 in downtown ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä is shown on July 17, 2025.
STEVEN KEITH | For the Gazette-Mail
The continued uncertainty around the fate of downtown ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä’s Bar 101 and Ichiban Pan-Asian Cuisine took an unexpected turn when both properties were suddenly listed for sale.
In a Facebook post late last week, Berkshire Hathaway real estate agent Duke Jordan announced both locations at 101 and 103 Capitol St. were on the market, along with additional office space at 105 Capitol St. The three locations total nearly 18,000 square feet of prime property on the northwest corner of Virginia and Capitol streets.
Bar 101 and Ichiban owners Todd Moore and David Andrews have yet to comment on those two businesses, which closed along with DT Prime downtown and The Lookout Bar & Grill at Eagle View several weeks ago.
J.C. Elzy barbecues chicken at the Dem 2 Brothers and a Grill food vendor stand on opening night of the 34th annual Multiifest at Haddad Riverfront Park in ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä Thursday, August 1, 2024.
CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
A popular BBQ joint with two locations in ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä has closed its restaurants for dining to focus on other facets of its business.
Dem 2 Brothers & A Grill announced Tuesday it is adjusting operations in an attempt to recover from "the most difficult season" in its history.
“Over the past several years, like many restaurants across the country, we’ve felt the effects of a shifting economy right here in ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä. Rising costs, changing consumer habits and the decline of traditional dine-in models have created challenges we couldn’t ignore,†the restaurant announced in a Facebook post.
“We know you’ve seen it in our West Side and downtown operations, and we want to be transparent – this has been the most difficult season in our journey.â€
This is a January 2025 photo of coffee-crusted brisket with sweet corn risotto and broccolini from Dem 2 Brothers and a Grill in ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä.
STEVEN KEITH | For the Gazette-Mail
In addition to business hurdles, owner Ashley Monique Wright said unexpected health challenges resulting in her caring for her father — Dem 2 Brothers founder Adrian Wright — have been tough.
“These obstacles have tested us deeply, but they haven’t broken us,†she said. “Our promise: we’re not giving up. Our pivot: back to our roots. Instead of closing the book, we’re turning the page.â€
What that means for customers is a closing of D2B’s dine-in and take-out operations at 189 Summers St. downtown (the 423 Virginia St. W. location was previously closed) so D2B can focus more on its food truck, pop-up, delivery and catering business. It also hopes to branch into retail offerings with a line of sauces, spices and rubs.
Steven Keith is a food writer and restaurant critic known as “The Food Guy.†Reach him at 304-380-6096 or at wvfoodguy@aol.com.
