After three decades in the Wainscott family, Fort Mitchell's beloved Southern-style restaurant the Greyhound Tavern has been sold to the Northern Kentucky-based One Holland Restaurant Group.
The eatery, which is well-known for its family-style fried chicken, has become a staple in the area for both its mouthwatering food and great customer service. But the time has come for owners Butch and Mary Wainscott to move on to the next step in life.
"There's no way for us to express the gratitude we have to employees, patrons and the community for all the love and support they have shown to us and our family these past 34 years," the Wainscotts said in a press release. "While selling the Greyhound is a very bittersweet and difficult decision, we are excited to move on to a new stage and adventure in our lives and are comforted knowing that our sons, Gabe and Danny, will still be an integral part of the business."
"Gabe will still be that friendly, familiar face greeting you at the door," the Wainscotts said. "Danny will still be creating and serving up the delicious meals you've come to know and love."
Gary Holland, founder of One Holland Restaurant Group, has been a longtime customer of the establishment and intends on maintaining the quality of service the community has grown to appreciate.
"We are going to make sure that we make the Wainscott family proud by continuing to provide The Greyhound's loyal customers with the tremendous food, service and atmosphere they have come to expect when they walk in the door," Holland said. "Following the Wainscotts in business is going to be a challenge, but my team and I are up to it. I promised Butch and Mary Ann that I'm not going to mess this up."
Holland, a former employee of law firm DBL, is purchasing the restaurant with Northern Kentuckians Bob Hoffer, DBL managing partner and Bob Stevens, former DBL partner.
The restaurant group also owns outposts of several chains throughout the Greater Cincinnati area, including Skyline Chili, LaRosa's, Dunkin' and First Watch.
Greyhound Tavern first opened in 1921 as the Dixie Tea Room and was eventually renamed in honor of a former owner's brother, who was a greyhound trainer, according to the press release.
"Having lived in this wonderful community my entire life, I have watched Butch and Mary Ann Wainscott transform Greyhound into not just an icon for Fort Mitchell, but also a coveted dining experience for our entire Greater Cincinnati community," Hoffer said. "The passion that the Wainscotts brought to their patrons each day has been simply amazing."
"Gary Holland has been one of my best friends for over 20 years," Hoffer added. "Each one of his restaurants have several common themes: outstanding food quality, cleanliness, loyalty to his employees and an incredible commitment to giving back to each community where his restaurants are located."
The Greyhound Tavern, 2500 Dixie Highway, Fort Mitchell.
