News Summary
Versailles, Kentucky will see the opening of a new family entertainment complex at the former Kroger site. The development, in collaboration with Mefford Contracting and Epic Eats, includes Works Brick Oven Pizza restaurants and attractions aimed at family engagement. Scheduled to open in phases starting fall 2025, it will feature activities such as go-karts, laser tag, and indoor roller coasters, enhancing options for community entertainment.
Versailles, Kentucky is set to welcome a new family entertainment complex at the location of the former Kroger grocery store. Renovations are currently underway at the 76,000-square-foot site situated in Lexington Road Plaza, with the establishment expected to open in phases beginning in the fall of 2025.
This venture is a collaborative effort between Mefford Contracting, a local general contractor, and Ohio-based Epic Eats Restaurant Group. As part of this development, two Works Brick Oven Pizza restaurants will be inaugurated: one in Versailles and another in Brannon Crossing, Nicholasville. The restaurant will feature an array of pizzas, including signature specialties like the Potato, Chicken Fajita, and Breakfast Pizza, all baked in a brick oven heated to 600 degrees, along with various appetizers, salads, and pasta dishes.
The renovations will incorporate a family-style pizza restaurant alongside an “indoor tailgating” area. These new offerings are designed to attract visitors, particularly during the University of Kentucky football season, as part of the complex’s unique game day concept.
Features of the Entertainment Complex
The entertainment center is expected to boast a range of attractions suitable for families and young individuals not engaged in organized sports. Planned offerings may include:
- Go-karts
- Laser tag
- Arcade games, including virtual reality
- Indoor roller coasters
- Inflatables
- Putt-putt golf
- Duck pin bowling
- Rope courses
- Play areas for children of various ages
The first attraction within the complex is projected to be operational by spring 2026, expanding community engagement and entertainment opportunities.
City and Community Response
The City of Versailles acquired the former Kroger site in 2022 after the grocery store relocated to a larger facility across U.S. 60. The lease agreement for the entertainment center extends over 11 years, demonstrating a long-term commitment to enhancing family-friendly activities in the area. Local authorities have noted positive community feedback regarding the need for more entertainment options.
Brannon Crossing Details
The Brannon Crossing location of The Works Brick Oven Pizza will span nearly 5,500 square feet, conveniently located near Trinity Christian Academy and the Movie Tavern at Brannon Crossing. This expansion reflects a broader strategy to meet the dining and entertainment needs within the region.
Partnerships and Expansions
This project is not just confined to Versailles; Mefford Contracting and Epic Eats have plans for restaurant expansions in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, indicating a potential growth trajectory for both companies and a commitment to providing quality dining and entertainment experiences.
The new family entertainment complex in Versailles is anticipated to significantly enhance the area’s social fabric, making it a popular destination for families seeking recreational activities. By providing a mix of dining, gaming, and entertainment options, the project aims to cater to various demographics, ensuring that residents and visitors alike will have access to engaging activities.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 56 News
- Kentucky.com
- Kentucky.com – Woodford County
- Post-Gazette
- Fun 107
- Wikipedia: Family Entertainment Center
- Google Search: new family entertainment complex Versailles
- Google Scholar: Versailles Kentucky entertainment center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: entertainment centers
- Google News: Versailles Kentucky entertainment
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
