Lexington restaurant reopens Monday after flash flooding; owner says she was alerted by text photo

A Lexington restaurant is reopening after flash flooding earlier this week, with owner Ashley Minton describing how she first learned of the damage and saying she has been watching the forecast for possible additional storms. The restaurant reopened on Monday following the flooding, according to WKYT.

Minton said she discovered the flooding after a photo was sent to her by text message, prompting her to assess what happened at the property and determine what could be reopened immediately and what needed additional attention. She said the flooding occurred suddenly, consistent with how flash flooding can overwhelm an area in a short period.

WKYT reported that Minton is continuing to monitor weather conditions as Lexington enters the next phase of the forecast. She said she is paying close attention to weekend conditions, indicating that the reopening plan depends not only on repairs completed from the Monday flooding but also on whether additional rain is expected.

While the report focuses on the owner’s response and the reopening timeline, the flooding raised immediate concerns for businesses and nearby families, especially when water and debris can disrupt operations, create safety hazards, and force short-term closures. For local restaurants, that can affect staff schedules, daily revenue, and the ability to serve regular customers.

Public safety precautions often accompany flash-flood recovery efforts, including checking for lingering water, assessing damage to electrical and kitchen systems, and verifying that areas are safe for staff and patrons. In the immediate aftermath, owners generally face the task of coordinating cleanup and determining whether inspections or repairs are needed before reopening.

As of Monday, the restaurant’s reopening indicates that at least some recovery work was completed after the flooding. WKYT’s account indicates the owner’s next steps will be influenced by upcoming weather, with Minton watching the forecast as the business settles back into operation. Residents in the area typically rely on local alerts during storm systems to reduce the risk of renewed flooding.