Ken Pendery, the principal of Phoenix Restaurant Group, said his plans are to renovate the interior of the restaurant and change its menu within the next few weeks. During the renovations, the overnight inn would remain open and lunch services will continue, but the restaurant will not be serving dinner, according to Rick Miller, a spokesman for the Golden Lamb.
The Lamb underwent extensive internal renovations in 2008 and 2009, but Miller said the new renovations would focus on noticeable decor, like carpeting and decorations.
Miller said that employees were notified of the management change on Tuesday.
Constructed in 1803, the Golden Lamb building is owned by Lebanon House, Inc. and the Portman family. Since 1969, the owners have leased the restaurant and inn to independent operators, the latest being G.L. Hospitality, which took over in 2006.
“The Phoenix Restaurant Group is initiating an aggressive revitalization plan and is committed to returning the Golden Lamb to the high quality food and service for which it is known,” said Wym Portman. “We’ve found in the Phoenix Restaurant Group a team with a proven record in successful restaurant operations in historic properties.”
Portman said a change in management was necessary because “the Golden Lamb was not meeting the high standards that loyal customers and the community expect.”
“For months, Lebanon House has given G.L. Hospitality significant financial assistance and support, however, the operators have been unable to meet their obligations to Lebanon House, Inc., and their own operating obligations,” Portman said.
Miller said that the Phoenix Group understood the Lamb’s unique place in Lebanon history and business and it was a key to why the group wanted to be involved.
“There is no other facility like it in the United States,” Miller said. “It’s an honor for Mr. Pendery to continue that tradition.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4544 or jmcclelland@coxohio.com.
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