Ingram's Sparetime in Alexandria will close their doors December 23

A popular diner in Alexandria has announced that it's closing their doors.

Ingram's Sparetime, located at 7807 Alexandria Pike, announced on their Facebook page that were are closing, with their last day being on December 23.

Now open at 2000 Memorial Parkway in Fort Thomas. Accepting new patients. 

Lisa Kremer took over the reins from her sister Christa Klein and family in September of 2018. Kremer has been working at the restaurant since it was reopened.

But Kremer said it's time to step away from the business to spend more time with family.

The Kremer family. Facebook. 

"First and foremost though, I am Mom and now, Grandma," she said. "At this time in my life, I need to be more present, and enjoy my family."



Known for its iconic 1950s-style diner six miles down the street from Northern Kentucky University, Chester Alford opened The Spare Time Grill in 1958. His son, Roy, ran it for 20-plus years and then Roy's son, Tony, ran it for 24 years.

The diner has appeared in two movies, "Fresh Horses" in 1972 and "Carol" in 2014.

For a short period of time the diner served candy and ice cream, but that concept closed in Spring 2016. That same spring former owner, Kevin Klein, saw a new "for lease" sign pop up. He immediately pulled into the diner's driveway and called the number. The Kleins met with the Alfords the next day. They shared their vision, their dream. The Alfords gave the Kleins time to remodel, and didn't ask for a dime until the day they opened. Sparetime's Belly & Soul Diner opened August 2016.


Fort Thomas Matters profiled the diner's Pay It Forward window earlier this year, which allows customers to buy anything—a burger, a cup of coffee or a piece of pie—for someone else. After telling their server, they grab a Post-it note and on it write who they'd like to receive their gift.

RELATED: Sparetime Grill serving up memorable food with a heaping side of love 

Kremer said that all gift certificates would be fully reimbursed.