COVINGTON, KY − The Skyline Chili in Covington opened its doors 55 years ago and has become a community staple in the city’s Central Business District.
After facing the threat of closure in 2023, it’s finally moving into its new home two blocks away – a former Frisch’s restaurant.
“This move allows us to do that in a space that better fits today’s needs,” Amy Leigh, marketing director for the new owners, told The Enquirer. “The new restaurant will offer a drive-thru, additional seating, and updated amenities, while staying true to the Skyline experience our guests know and love. “
Why is this Skyline so special?
The Covington Skyline has been on Third Street for roughly 55 years and is one of the oldest restaurants in the franchise. Several of the waitresses have worked there for about 50 years.
Skyline had been slated to close
The Skyline was slated to close on July 31, 2023 because its current location does not accommodate a drive-thru, The Enquirer previously reported.
Just before then, Skyline Chili franchise partner One Holland Restaurant Group announced it would take ownership and keep it open.
But the company still planned to move the chili parlor to a new location.
One Holland Restaurant Group owns more than a dozen Skyline locations, along with other restaurant franchises like LaRosa’s and Dunkin’ Donuts.
When will the new spot open?
The Covington Skyline’s new location will be at a former Frisch’s restaurant at the corner of Philadelphia and W. Fifth streets. That’s just two blocks south of its current location.
The new location was supposed to debut in the summer of 2025.
Leigh said about the delay, “This will be a unique design for Skyline. We took extra time to get the design right and experienced a few minor construction and material delays.”
The building appeared to be under renovation this week.
Along Philadelphia street, the exterior still looks like a Frisch’s, complete with the now-defunct Frisch’s sign and its signature red color.
Along W. Fifth St., though, a Skyline Chili drive-thru sign and traditional Skyline facade has already been built.
Leigh told the Enquirer that the new location is expected to open in summer 2026.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: A longtime Skyline moving into former Frisch’s this summer
Reporting by Jolene Almendarez, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
