Newport’s Green Derby gets new owner

NEWPORT – You might say the Green Derby is getting a reboot.

The landmark York Street establishment is under new ownership. Mike Brauninger intends to pay homage to the eatery’s 68-year- history while also refreshing and reinventing the menu and decor.

“We’ll make it what it used to be, except with a bit more modern twist,” the owner said.

Brauninger took over March 31 over from businessman and philanthropist David Hosea, who had rescued the Green Derby from closure in 2009. Prior to that, it had been a family-run restaurant and bar since 1947.

“I haven’t been in town for more than 10 days at a time for the past 10 years,” Hosea said. “I love the Green Derby. But it doesn’t need an absentee proprietor like myself. I’d been looking for people to take it over.”

It was a matter of being in the right time at the right place. Brauninger and his wife, Melody, just happened to be walking in the neighborhood on a Sunday morning a few months ago and dropped in. They liked the friendly staff and the atmosphere, and they were looking for a restaurant to run.

“We closed a six-month deal in about four and a half days,” Brauninger said.

He’s already implemented some changes, including new uniforms and a full bourbon bar. Others are coming: a state-of-the-art 16-tap draft beer system will feature local brews, and a revamped menu will be phased in over the next month.

Some customer favorites will return, such as the Kentucky Hot Brown, plus offerings like hand-cut steaks, fresh halibut and homemade soups. Brauninger also plans to expand the hours, offering lunch and dinner daily in the dining area and keeping the bar open until midnight during the week and 2 a.m. on weekends.

The decor will be updated, too: Brauninger plans to repaint the dining room in a vintage color scheme of deep green and ivory, with new textured drop-ceiling tiles to evoke a 1920’s-era atmosphere.

Also new: the establishment is now non-smoking, and a 24-seat outdoor patio has been added.

“The regulars are loving it. They’re telling their friends, and we’re getting great word of mouth and a positive response,” he said.

Brauninger worked in the restaurant and bar industry for three decades, including at Aramark food services and as manager of Cork & Bottle in Covington. His wife, Melody, will help run the restaurant, though she also works full-time for Hamilton County.

Hosea said it was difficult to part with Green Derby, but he’s confident it’s in a good hands: “I’ve been dropping in to check on things. The ship is on course.”