Lexington, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Tuk Tuk Snack Shop, a popular fusion cuisine restaurant in Lexington, has announced its closure, effective November 15, 2025. Owner Samantha Fore cited a decline in diner attendance and rising food costs as key reasons for the decision. The restaurant, known for its unique dishes, gained acclaim, including a feature in Food & Wine magazine. Despite this setback, Fore remains optimistic about future culinary projects after the restaurant’s closure.
Lexington – The Tuk Tuk Snack Shop, a celebrated fusion cuisine restaurant, has announced its impending closure after just two years of operation. Owner and chef Samantha Fore revealed the news via social media, stating that the last day of service will be on November 15, 2025. The announcement was made on October 13, 2025.
Located at 124 Malabu Drive, Suite 110, Tuk Tuk Snack Shop was Fore’s first brick-and-mortar venture, having previously gained popularity through various culinary pop-ups. The restaurant was noted for its unique dishes that blended flavors from diverse culinary traditions, with the curry tomato pie gaining particular acclaim by featuring on the cover of “Food & Wine” magazine.
Fore, a noted talent in the culinary world, had positioned herself as a leading chef in the region, being named a finalist for the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southeast in 2023. Before opening Tuk Tuk Snack Shop, she honed her skills in Michelin-starred restaurants and worked with renowned chefs, such as Padma Lakshmi from “Top Chef.” Her culinary journey also included appearances on “Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street,” further solidifying her reputation.
The decision to close Tuk Tuk Snack Shop was not made lightly. Fore indicated that she began contemplating this move about six months prior to the announcement, responding to a decline in diner attendance and average spending per visit, which she described as jarring and puzzling. She noted that this trend was not isolated to her restaurant, observing a similar pattern affecting the broader dining landscape across the nation.
In addition to changing consumer behaviors, Fore cited a range of economic factors that contributed to the closure, including rising food costs and new tariffs impacting ingredient pricing. Despite the challenges faced in the restaurant industry, Fore expressed enthusiasm for her future culinary projects and endeavors after Tuk Tuk Snack Shop’s closure.
The restaurant’s regular operating hours included service on Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch, resuming from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner. Customers wishing to savor the remaining offerings before the closure can visit the restaurant’s website at tuktuksnackshop.com for more information.
Background of Tuk Tuk Snack Shop
Tuk Tuk Snack Shop opened its doors in September 2023 and quickly became a popular dining destination in Lexington. Its eclectic menu features a blend of flavors inspired by various cultures, showcasing Fore’s culinary creativity and expertise. The restaurant drew in diners both locally and nationally, further enhanced by media coverage and accolades.
Future Plans
As Tuk Tuk Snack Shop prepares for its final days, Fore looks forward to what lies ahead in her culinary career. Though the closure marks the end of this chapter, she is optimistic about her upcoming projects, focusing on new culinary initiatives that will continue to showcase her talent and passion for cooking.
Conclusion
The closing of Tuk Tuk Snack Shop represents a significant change in the Lexington dining scene, as it was a notable venue for residents and visitors alike. As the community reflects on the impact of the restaurant, many patrons will no doubt miss the unique flavors and dishes that became synonymous with Fore’s celebrated culinary style.
FAQ Section
Why is the Tuk Tuk Snack Shop closing?
The Tuk Tuk Snack Shop is closing due to a decline in diners and average spending, as well as rising food costs and tariffs affecting profitability.
When is the last day of service?
The last day of service for Tuk Tuk Snack Shop will be November 15, 2025.
Where is Tuk Tuk Snack Shop located?
The restaurant is located at 124 Malabu Drive, Suite 110 in Lexington.
What are the operating hours of Tuk Tuk Snack Shop?
The operating hours were Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch, and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner.
What dishes made Tuk Tuk Snack Shop popular?
Signature dishes like the curry tomato pie gained national recognition, showcasing the restaurant’s unique fusion cuisine.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure Date | November 15, 2025 |
| Owner | Samantha Fore |
| Location | 124 Malabu Drive, Suite 110, Lexington |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday-Thursday: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. |
| James Beard Award | Finalist for Best Chef: Southeast 2023 |
| Significant Dish | Curry tomato pie featured in “Food & Wine” |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington’s Dining Scene Sees New Openings and Closures
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Tuk Tuk Snack Shop to Close
- Wikipedia
- Fox 56 News: Lexington Restaurant Closure
- Google Search: Restaurant Closure News
- Kentucky.com: Another Restaurant Closure in Lexington
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Industry Trends
- WKYT: Popular Restaurant Chain Closing
- Google News: Lexington Restaurants
- Kentucky.com: Update on Lexington Dining Scene
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