The Sportsman’s Lounge has temporarily closed, but the new owners say it will reopen by the end of April with the same bar food menu and pork tenderloins for which the restaurant is known. Four local investors, Greg Sronce, Matthew Davlin, Zach Washko and Dan Moja purchased the business at 229 W. Mason from Ralph “Pat” Patkus, who had operated the tavern since 2008.

A neighborhood bar has been at that address since 1935, although the building itself dates to the late 1800s. Sronce said, “It was historically a livery stable; people would come to town and board their horses when traveling to conduct their affairs. There was likely a blacksmith on site to provide services, so I suppose it’s one of the few places that can claim serving up horseshoes for over 150 years.”

While the tavern has had a variety of names over the years, the new owners say it will still be known as The Sportsman’s Lounge when it reopens. Even Carmel and Melba, two of the regular wait staff, will still be there.

Sronce said the temporary closure will allow for “dusting it off a bit” and he is currently researching the history of the property. “It’s an 1800s building, so there are some features we are excited to expose.”