Heat It Up
New Albany’ s The Exchange opens patio, creates popular summer menu
BY MANDY WOLF DETWILER | PHOTOS BY JOSH KEOWN
It’ s summer in the city, and that means seasonal offerings from many of the area’ s top restaurants. At The Exchange Pub + Kitchen in downtown New Albany, menu items reflect the changing seasons and customers flock to the outdoor patio, which has become a destination for al fresco diners of all ages.
The restaurant originally opened in January 2010 in a location off Grantline Road before moving two years later to the newly-revitalized downtown New Albany district. With 125 seats in its main dining room and an additional private dining space for 40, the upscale casual eatery is already larger than many of its contemporary counterparts. Still, owner Ian Hall found the opportunity for more seating in 2015 when he purchased a lot next door and added on an indoor / outdoor garage-style bar and an outdoor patio.
“ Outdoor dining is a big part of our business,” Hall says.“ We typically average about 20 percent in increased revenues during the months of May to October. When we first opened, we only had three tables and 12 seats out front on the front sidewalk. Now, I would say we have one of the premier patios in all the metro area. We have live music on the patio on Friday and Saturday nights, and our crowds typically hang out later in the evening when the weather is great.
Patio dining offers challenges when it comes to battling the elements, but the rewards can be worth it when done right.
“ The outdoor tables are covered with umbrellas,” Hall says.“ This year we added an electronic umbrella / awning system that is 20 feet by 20 feet. It’ s huge! It gives us complete
16 EXTOL SPORTS / JULY 2017