Scott Wartman

swartman@nky.com

Signs in front of Don Pablo's in Newport tell would-be diners the building is not safe for human habitation.

After 22 years on the riverfront, the restaurant's management told the city it won't reopen.

The restaurant closed at the end of July after a heavy rain caused water damage that sparked an electrical fire, said Newport City Manager Tom Fromme. Fromme said he thought they would make repairs.

"I guess they made a business decision to close permanently," Fromme said. "I just got notified."

Calls to Don Pablo's corporate offices were not returned' the company's website listed the store, Don Pablo's sole Kentucky location, as "permanently closed." The company still has a restaurant in Norwood.

Northern Kentucky's riverfront was a different place in 1994 when Don Pablo's opened in Newport.

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Covington Landing still existed and Newport on the Levee was another seven years off.

The city leased the Don Pablo's land in return for a percentage of sales. Fromme estimated the city reaped a combined $100,000 annually from lease payments, payroll taxes and other fees.

Don Pablo's will be missed, but Fromme said he expects the real estate won't lay vacant for long.

"I'm sure that's a good location and it won't be a problem to find someone wanting to locate to that spot," Fromme said.

Enquirer archives: Riverfront Don Pablo's reopens