Lexington's Via Lago: A Beloved Eatery Calls It Quits

A well-known spot in Lexington is shutting down. Via Lago, a restaurant that has been a part of the community for 37 years, is closing its doors. The owner, Alan Jick, made the tough call not to renew the lease. Why? The restaurant's catering business never fully recovered from the pandemic's hit. This decision comes after decades of serving the Lexington community. The news was shared last week. Jick took to social media and other news outlets to break the news. The restaurant will serve its last meals at the end of May. Jick expressed his gratitude to the customers and staff. He called the restaurant his life's work. He thanked everyone for being a part of it. Via Lago was more than just a restaurant. It was a place for casual lunches during the day. In the evening, it transformed into a spot for romantic dinners with a full bar. The restaurant also offered catering services. But the pandemic changed everything. The catering business never bounced back to its pre-pandemic levels. With global economic uncertainty, Jick felt it was too risky to commit to a new lease. The community has responded with a mix of sadness and nostalgia. Many have shared their favorite memories and dishes from Via Lago. Some have even reached out to express their gratitude for the role the restaurant played in their lives. It's a reminder of how places like Via Lago become more than just a business. They become a part of the community's fabric. The closure of Via Lago raises questions about the future of local businesses. How do they bounce back from major setbacks like the pandemic? What role do community support and economic conditions play in their survival? These are important questions to consider as more businesses face similar challenges.