L-R , the Harbor Management Team : John Kurtz , Debbie Ping , Jason Brackett , and Keely Squires . Photo by Christen Gibson partner , originally from Casey County and graduate of Casey County High School ; Debbie Ping , service manager from Somerset , graduate of PC High School ; and Keely Squires , bar manager also from Somerset , a graduate from Somerset High School .
John Kurtz , the kitchen manager who is originally from Louisiana , may not be from the area but he is bringing inspiration to the new culinary experience at The Harbor from his original home , something that locals have been asking for : A true seafood menu inspired by his roots , anchored in the deep south , and the experience he gained while being in management at Red Lobster . He brings heart to the community as a former chief police investigator for his Louisiana community for twelve years .
“ Most everything is made from scratch in our kitchen ,” Kurtz said . “ Going forward into this upcoming year , I am excited we are going to be able to get some quality seafood at an affordable price .
“ Bringing the flavors of the south up here is something most people drive a long way to get , and it will be here locally ,” he added .
The community can look forward to crab boils , shrimp , lobster tails , and crab legs at The Harbor .
They are hoping to launch this new seafood experience in March .
Brackett has been in the restaurant industry for over 20 years including serving as a chief culinary specialist in the Navy for 10 years and management experience in restaurants since he was 19 .
“ I want The Harbor to be a statement in the community . I want this to be somewhere everyone can go regardless of their status or income ,” said Brackett . “ I want this place to be someplace people enjoy coming to and talking about and something that whenever they think about Nancy , Burnside , or Somerset they think about us and the good times they have here making memories with their friends and family .”
Squires brings seven years of experience bartending in various places including at an international airport , a college town , and Wolfgang Puck ’ s ,
18 • SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky December 2022