Newport on the Levee’s Mitchell’s Fish Market closes unexpectedly

NEWPORT, KY (FOX19) - Northern Kentuckians and patrons of Newport on the Levee noticed an abrupt absence of a longtime business Tuesday night.

Mitchell’s Fish Market closed up shop quietly and left behind nothing but a dark building with fliers thanking their ‘friends’ they’ve made.

Mitchel's Fish Market at Newport on the Levee quietly closed its doors permanently, offering no... — Mitchel's Fish Market at Newport on the Levee quietly closed its doors permanently, offering no explanation other than fliers posted on the door.

A Newport city official said they’d heard it closed just before the holidays but didn’t have any more details on why the restaurant suddenly shut its doors.

Newport on the Levee offered a statement on the closing Wednesday morning.

The business thanked the restaurant, which sat between the Newport Aquarium and Barnes and Noble, for 17 years of service. They also said they’re open to suggestions for what should replace the restaurant.

A Newport city official said they had no information on the sudden departure of the restaurant... — A Newport city official said they had no information on the sudden departure of the restaurant other than hearing it closed before the holidays.

"Thanks Mitchell’s Fish Market for 17 great years at the Levee! We wish them all the best. Here at Newport on the Levee, along with our new owners, North American Properties, we are actively working on exciting new concepts for the Mitchell’s space and many others as we re-imagine our future. We’ll be announcing more in the coming months. Until then, we’d like to hear what our community would love to have at the Levee and in the Mitchell’s restaurant space specifically. Share your ideas with us at hello@newportonthelevee.com or on our social media accounts, and the person with the best idea gets the chance to sit down and meet with our design team.

Natalie Hastings, Director of Marketing and Communications, Newport on the Levee"

Wednesday morning, C.O.O. Howard Cole released a statement through public relations group Dancie Perugini Ware.

Cole offered an explanation for the closing stating the restaurant’s lease expired and they officially closed their doors Tuesday.

He also said the restaurant is working to relocate their employees and they’re grateful for the support of the community.

Mitchell’s West Chester location is still open and Cole encouraged people to visit their other restaurants owned by the same group: Chart House in Newport, Joe’s Crab Shack in Bellevue, McCormick and Schmick’s and Morton’s The Steakhouse in Cincinnati.