After two and half years of sharing an Appalachian menu, live jazz music, and immersive dinner theater, the partners of Lex 18 will be moving onto life’s next grand adventure.
In its place comes a fabulous Caribbean-inspired restaurant by a most delightful and impressive businesswoman, author and restaurateur Esther Frances Joseph.
Lex 18’s last day of business will be this Sunday, October 30th, 2016. After their final theatrical Vaudeville dinner show, they will stay open from 9:15 p.m. until midnight to share a last toast and heartfelt thanks.
Below is their statement regarding the closing:
It would take a 1000 page book to express how much we enjoyed taking care of you and our gratitude for you taking care of us. We loved every moment: celebrating Dowtown Abbey; reading fortunes for Thomas Wolfe Mystery; raising swords for Game of Thrones; dancing the can-can for Moulin Rouge Cabaret; and drinking whiskey at Dr. Grove’s Vaudeville Wake. Writing and putting together a cast of talented actors and musicians was so rewarding and hosting our guests was simply unforgettable.
The actors who have shared their talents became friends and we owe them so many moments of pure pride. From professional actors to Lex 18’s staff, we are especially grateful to Catori Swann, Rebecca Morris, David Boyd, Pasqual LaCorte, Lenny Petinnelli, Bob Strain, Lauren Rivas, Steve Hageman, Suzanne Hageman, Cameron Kemp, Jason Heilfurth, Kyle Heeter, Willie Repoley, Michael McMurtrey and Thomas Hilt.
Hosting live Jazz every night was a dream come true; we feel heavily indebted to the Jazz community in Asheville. The list of all our musicians and performers is too long, but we have especially leaned on the talents of Lex 18 regulars including: Bob Strain, Lenny Petinelli, Ray Biscoglia, Grant Cutherbertson, Bill Fouty, Patrick Lopez, David Boyd, Andrew J. Fletcher, Michael John Jazz, Michael Anderson, Hot Point Trio to name just a few.
The gratitude we feel for our staff that worked so hard to keep the vision alive is profound. Restaurant work is not easy. It takes commitment, a love for people and food, a good sense of humor and teamwork. Lex 18’s dedicated, hardworking and friendly staff have always been a “yes, can do”. We thank Jennifer and Chris Townsend, David Boyd, Jared Miller, Kyle Heeter, Cameron Kemp, Jason Heilfurth and Lauren Rivas; the current team whom we depend on.
Finally, we thank these organizations that have generously supported and promoted our endeavors: Asheville Chamber of Commerce, Romantic Asheville, Asheville.com, NC Stage Co., Mountain Xpress, Ashvegas, Citizen Times, WCQS Public Radio, WLOS News 13, The Biltmore Beacon, Asheville Music Guide and Appalachian Grown.