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