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We were created with one mission: to give parents and little ones a relaxed, judgment-free environment where everyone can enjoy a delicious meal without the usual stress of dining out. Because first and foremost, we’re “parent-friendly.” We've swapped out those tabletop breakables for coloring projects for little hands and activities the whole family will enjoy. We're nestled within Epping's on Eastside, offering adults the full Epping's menu and beverage selection. So sit back, order a cocktail, and start making memories.
We’ll handle the rest.

Nick Naylor

CHEF DE CUISINE

Nick

Chef Nick brings more than ten years of experience at some of Lexington’s most beloved restaurants to his leadership role at Epping’s, where he expertly guides the kitchen team’s culinary creativity. Nick’s love for cooking for others is rooted in his family’s tradition of celebrating special moments around the table, (especially if his grandmother’s country ham was involved).

Patrick Harper

GENERAL MANAGER

Patrick

Patrick is a proud Lexington native and a 20-year veteran of the restaurant industry. He thrives on being part of the city’s ever-growing food scene and motivating his team to stay ahead of the game. His favorite part of the job? Creating a special place for guests to return to again and again.

Chris Hutchison

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Chris

Chris keeps Coles, Eppings and Poppy & Olive running smoothly, while always maintaining a gracious sense of welcome and hospitality. As a Certified Sommelier, he is also the creative mind behind the restaurants’ acclaimed wine and spirits programs. Chris grew up surrounded by phenomenal cooks in the small town of Pikeville, Kentucky. After years working in the industry, it is still his love for food and “all things distilled or fermented” that keep him inspired every day.

Cole Arimes

EXECUTIVE CHEF & OWNER

Cole

Cole returned to Lexington to open his namesake restaurant, Coles 735 Main, in 2012. Today, he is an award-winning chef and visionary that builds connections in the community and brings truly inspired dining to downtown Lexington. Cole and wife Susan dreamed of dining out in peace with their two children, Hurst and Park, a wish that brought Poppy & Olive’s “parent-friendly” concept to life.

Haleigh Flanigan

MAITRE'D

Haleigh

Haleigh has been a part of the Epping’s on Eastside and Coles 735 Main family for years. Her passion for food and building connections with people makes her perfectly suited to foster the Epping’s guest experience. Haleigh lives with her husband Ben, the sous chef at Coles, and their rescue dog Fiddle. Her favorite dish at Epping’s is the savory and delicious housemade gnocchi.

"Looking for somewhere to eat in 2019?"

Lexington Herald-Leader

Lexington, hold onto your forks because the food scene is about to kick it up a notch...

"Epping’s on Eastside Coming to National Avenue"

Smiley Pete Publishing

Cole Arimes, owner and executive chef of Coles 735 Main, has leased a large building in the bustling National Avenue district and plans to open a new restaurant...