FORT MITCHELL, Ky. — The Greyhound Tavern — an iconic Northern Kentucky restaurant and gathering spot that is approaching nearly a century in operation — has been sold to Taylor Mill-based One Holland Restaurant Group.
Butch and Mary Ann Wainscott, who have operated the Greyhound along with members of their family for more than three decades, thanked their loyal customers and said they are excited to pass on The Greyhound tradition to Gary Holland. Holland is an Independence native, Simon Kenton High School graduate and Lakeside Park resident who — like so many others in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati — has enjoyed the restaurant’s southern-style home cooking for years.
“There’s no way for us to express the gratitude we have to employees, patrons and the community for all the love and support they have shown to us and our family these past 34 years,” the Wainscotts said. “While selling the Greyhound is a very bittersweet and difficult decision, we are excited to move on to a new stage and adventure in our lives and are comforted knowing that our sons, Gabe and Danny, will still be an integral part of the business.”
The Wainscotts called Holland, 49, a prime example of the American dream who started One Holland 20 years ago with one Skyline Chili location and a love for the restaurant business.
Holland has grown his company into multiple locations of Skyline Chili, LaRosa’s Pizzeria, First Watch and Dunkin restaurants in Northern Kentucky, Greater Cincinnati, Louisville and Lexington.
Holland described purchasing The Greyhound as a “total honor and a major responsibility.”
Founded in 1921 and originally known as The Dixie Tea Room, The Greyhound was named after an early owner’s brother, who was a successful greyhound dog trainer in Florida. The Greyhound traces its early success to location — the restaurant was conveniently located at The End of the Line in Fort Mitchell, where streetcars from Cincinnati and Covington completed their journey south. Today, The Greyhound is known for its delicious food including family-style fried chicken, prime rib, country fried pork chops, fresh seafood, bountiful salads, Kentucky Hot Brown, thick onion rings and its ever-popular fried cod sandwich.
Holland, who began his career as a business manager and attorney at DBL Law in Crestview Hills, is purchasing The Greyhound along with DBL Managing Partner Bob Hoffer of Fort Mitchell and former DBL Partner Bob Stevens of Villa Hills.
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