About us
From Our Founders,
When we set out to create The Vine, we imagined more than just a beautiful space; we envisioned a community. A place where friendships form over shared meals, creativity is sparked in quiet corners, and celebrations are both spontaneous and intentional.
The Vine was built to nurture connection — slow, meaningful, and full of heart. Whether you're here to unwind poolside, savor a meal, or simply feel at home in a city that’s always moving, we are honored to welcome you.
With gratitude,Jacquie & Maggie
Co-Founders, The Vine
Meet Our Team
Maggie Delk
Co-Founder
Originally from Troy, Ohio, Maggie Delk moved to Lexington in 2015. She is a proud graduate of the University of Kentucky, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Leadership and Administration with honors. Maggie has built a successful career in the healthcare industry, holding diverse roles in pharmaceutical manufacturing, telehealth, and clinical operations with a focus on functional and longevity medicine.
Outside of her professional work, Maggie leads an active lifestyle and enjoys spending quality time with her husband, children, animals, and close friends. An avid traveler, she draws inspiration from the beautiful restaurants and vibrant clubs she’s experienced around the world and is excited to bring that same level of sophistication and energy to Lexington.
Jacquie Meriwether
Co-Founder
Jacquie Meriwether is a proud Lexington native, having attended Stonewall, Jessie Clark, and Lafayette. Like many members of her family, she is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, where she can often be found passionately cheering (and sometimes yelling) at referees and umpires during UK games.
After earning her degree, Jacquie moved to Washington, D.C., where she built an impressive career in management consulting and data analytics. This journey culminated in co-founding Datastrong, a successful data and analytics management consulting firm. Under her leadership, Datastrong served a diverse range of high-profile clients, including Marriott, T. Rowe Price, MassMutual, GlaxoSmithKline, Publicis, Freddie Mac, the Department of State, the FBI, the Department of Education, and the Department of Transportation. In 2021, the company was acquired, and Jacquie was ready to retire — but then the opportunity to help launch The Vine came along.
Outside of her professional life, Jacquie is a retired triathlete who still enjoys biking and swimming. She also loves playing tennis and golf. But of all her accomplishments, her family is what brings her the most happiness — especially her dog and her three nieces and nephew.
Cole Arimes
Executive Chef & Partner
As a Lexington native with family ties to the culinary industry, Executive Chef Cole Arimes combines a flair for creativity with a dedication to the ingredients, people and culture of his local community.After years of experience as a chef in some of Cincinnati’s finest restaurants, Cole returned home to Lexington to open his namesake restaurant – Coles 735 Main – in 2012. Today, he is an award-winning executive chef, restaurant owner and visionary that builds connections in the community and brings inspired dining experiences to downtown Lexington through his restaurants: Coles 735 Main and Epping’s on Eastside.
Cole’s passion for providing guests with culinary innovation is matched only by his dedication to training the future chefs of the Bluegrass. He is a tireless champion for the Lexington community, hosting regular charity events and sourcing many of his restaurants’ ingredients from local farms and purveyors.
His work continues to generate positive publicity both locally and nationally – including his being named the “Best Chef in Lexington” in 2025 – and his restaurants consistently rank as some of the best-reviewed dining experiences in Lexington.
Cole lives with his wife Susan and children Hurst and Park in Lexington, applying those chaos management skills from the kitchen to daily life as a father, chef and business owner.
DJ Saltigerald
General Manager
Born and raised in Lexington, DJ Saltigerald has built a 27-year career in the hospitality industry. He got his start at the original Dudley’s and went on to work at local favorites like Murray’s, The Merrick Inn, and Azur before heading west to Lake Tahoe’s acclaimed Moody’s Bistro, Bar & Beats. After returning home, DJ brought his experience to Jeff Ruby’s — and now, he’s excited to get to work at The Vine Club, helping elevate Lexington’s emerging downtown scene with passion, energy, and a deep love for hospitality.
Kelly Wilson
Director of Memberships
Driven by a passion for connection and community, Kelly Wilson brings brands to life through a unique blend of creative vision and operational expertise. Throughout her career, she has led strategic marketing campaigns, produced memorable events across the U.S. and abroad, and built a successful membership platform for healthcare providers. She’s now thrilled to bring that same energy and vision to The Vine Club — helping to create a welcoming space where Lexington comes together and community thrives.
Originally from Canton, Ohio, Kelly moved to Lexington to attend the University of Kentucky — where she proudly performed at football games as a UK majorette and later served as a coach — and has called the city home ever since. In her free time, you’ll find Kelly enjoying time with her husband, walking their Doberman Pinscher, Calvin, or cheering on the CATS!
Ben Alexander
Chef de Cuisine
A Nicholasville native with deep roots in the Lexington culinary community, Ben discovered his love of cooking in the kitchens of his mother and grandmother. Their influence instilled in him a respect for tradition, seasonality, and the power of sharing a meal. Since graduating from Sullivan University’s Culinary Arts program in 2020, Ben has continued to refine his technique and evolve his culinary point of view, bringing thoughtful, ingredient-driven cooking to every plate he creates.
Haleigh Flanigan
Operational Manager
With over a decade of experience at the intersection of fine dining and operational strategy, Haleigh is a cornerstone of the leadership team at The Vine. Her career is defined by a “front-of-house first” philosophy, honed at local favorites Cole’s 735 Main and Epping’s on Eastside. Known for her precision and commitment to elevated service, she has built a reputation for transforming standard hospitality into an art form.
At The Vine, Haleigh focuses on the architecture of the guest experience, standardizing excellence, nurturing a high-performance team culture, and ensuring every interaction is rooted in quality and care. When she isn’t elevating the guest experience, she’s likely recharging at the lake with her husband, hiking with her rescue dog, or spoiling her nephews.