We’ve got Buc-ee’s, Publix is coming. What store, restaurant does Lexington need next?

Janet Patton

Lexington isn’t Kentucky’s biggest city but Central Kentucky is no shopping slouch either.

We’ve got Fayette Mall, Lexington Green, The Summit at Fritz Farm and the sprawling Hamburg Pavilion shopping center, among others. For local flavor, you can’t beat Southland Drive or the Euclid Avenue/Chevy Chase area (although parking can be a challenge.) There’s even a smattering of funky stores on Limestone to appeal to the University of Kentucky and Transy college crowd.

Central Kentucky got a Buc-ee’s this year in Richmond. And soon Lexington is getting a Publix grocery store (coming to the Fountains at Palomar in late 2024) with a second location planned too.

Occasionally we even get something first, before Louisville or Northern Kentucky, like the state’s first Andy’s Frozen Custard stand.

But there are still some gaping holes in our business landscape. No IKEA, for instance. Or Crate and Barrel. Or Wawa. Or Dave and Buster’s (that fell through after the pandemic hit) but we are getting a Main Event instead.

The new Buc-ee’s travel center in Richmond opened in April with 120 gas pumps.
The new Buc-ee’s travel center in Richmond opened in April with 120 gas pumps.

What else? Tell us what you think in the poll below.

What retail business, store or restaurant is Lexington and Central Kentucky missing that should come here and open?

Publix, a grocery chain based in Florida, is moving into Kentucky. Lexington’s first location has been announced and a second is planned. What other businesses is Central Kentucky missing that you’d like to see come to town?
Publix, a grocery chain based in Florida, is moving into Kentucky. Lexington’s first location has been announced and a second is planned. What other businesses is Central Kentucky missing that you’d like to see come to town?

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