The recently closed 1201 Kitchen in downtown Erie won't stay empty for long, co-owner J.B. Innes announced Monday. 

The space will soon be occupied by a new restaurant called "Local Eat and Pour," according to Innes. 

Innes and his wife Ellen will be making a few changes at the site of the new restaurant, including some cosmetic changes and a new style of food. 

Innes has hired Erie native Mike Karle as executive chef. Karle most recently worked as the executive chef at The Cork in the West Erie Plaza. 

Innes says it is a "true honor" to remain part of Erie's downtown community and says he and his wife plan to open their new restaurant by early summer. 

1201 Kitchen closed last weekend as chef and co-owner Dan Kern plans to open a new restaurant in the West Erie Plaza.