A new family entertainment complex is set to open at the former Kroger site in Versailles, located in the Lexington Road Plaza. Mefford Contracting, a local general contractor, has teamed up with Ohio-based Epic Eats Restaurant Group to bring two new The Works Brick Oven Pizza restaurants to Central Kentucky. One of these locations will occupy the 76,000-square-foot space in Versailles, with the second set to open in Brannon Crossing, just south of Lexington in Nicholasville.
Renovations are already underway at the former Kroger building, and plans include not only the family-style pizza restaurant but also an “indoor tailgating” area. According to Mefford, the goal is to open the first phase of renovations in fall 2025. Mefford Contracting, which has also partnered with Epic Eats on projects in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, is overseeing construction, while Epic Eats will manage the restaurant operations.
Proposed Attractions for Versailles Entertainment Complex
The new entertainment center will feature a variety of attractions aimed at families of all ages. Jordan Mefford, founder of Mefford Contracting, shared details of the project in a social media post alongside Versailles Mayor Laura Dake. Proposed attractions include go-karts, laser tag, virtual reality arcade games, indoor roller coasters, inflatables, mini-golf, duck pin bowling, rope courses, and play areas designed for children of different age groups.
“We want to create a space for everyone,” said Mefford. “It’s important to have opportunities for kids of all ages to enjoy themselves.” The center will also feature a taproom, as part of a “game day concept” that aims to open by the University of Kentucky football season and the 2025 Keeneland Fall Meet. The first attraction is expected to be operational by spring 2026.
Mayor Dake expressed excitement about the project, particularly as it will provide an alternative recreational option for local children who may not be involved in organized sports. “We’ve had a lot of feedback over the years about the need for more activities for kids,” said Dake. “This will be another option for families and young people.”
The city of Versailles acquired the empty Kroger site in 2022, after the grocery store moved to a new location in 2015, building Kentucky’s largest Kroger Marketplace across U.S. 60. The lease for the entertainment center spans 11 years.
The Works Brick Oven Pizza Expanding to Brannon Crossing
In addition to the Versailles location, a new The Works Brick Oven Pizza restaurant is under construction at 802 East Brannon Road in Nicholasville, within the Brannon Crossing retail development. The 5,500-square-foot restaurant will occupy part of a newly built retail space near Trinity Christian Academy and just down the road from Movie Tavern Brannon Crossing. The restaurant is expected to become a family favorite, with almost all the retail space leased except for a 1,500-square-foot section.
The The Works Brick Oven Pizza chain is known for its pizzas baked in a 600-degree brick oven, creating a light and crispy crust. The menu includes a wide variety of specialty pizzas, such as the Potato Pizza (featuring potato and bacon with sour cream), Chicken Fajita Pizza (with chicken, green peppers, onions, and fajita ranch dressing), and the Breakfast Pizza (scrambled eggs, American cheese, and customizable toppings). The menu also offers appetizers like Oven Baked Pretzels and Pizza Fries, as well as salads, sandwiches, hoagies, and pasta dishes.
“We’re excited to bring our handcrafted pizzas and family-friendly atmosphere to Central Kentucky,” said Lance Sizemore, CEO of Epic Eats.
With these two projects, Mefford Contracting and Epic Eats are working to provide both exciting new dining options and a much-needed entertainment space for families in the region.
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