Town Pump in Little Rock, which closed in March after being purchased by Barnaby Group, will reopen on Thursday, the Stephens-owned hospitality company said Monday.
The restaurant and bar at 1321 Rebsamen Park Rd. in the Riverdale neighborhood opened in the 1960s and was considered a Little Rock institution with a reputation as one of the best “dive bars” in Arkansas.
Town Pump “keeps its grit while introducing an upgraded food program, a few design tweaks, and a stacked entertainment lineup,” Barnaby Group, which owns and operates the restaurant George’s in Little Rock, said in a press release.
“We didn’t take this on to make big changes,” Greg Baber, director of front-of-house operations for Barnaby Group, said. “The karaoke stage hasn’t moved, the bar hasn’t moved, and we’re still serving burgers, wings, and cold beer. We fixed what needed fixing and left the soul of the place alone. The Town Pump is ready for the next 60 years.”
The menu, from Culinary Director Wes Mickel, will include fried chicken and biscuits, wings and the original Town Pump burger. “New favorites include the chili crunch wrap supreme, buffalo dip, fried nuggets adults will crave, and rice crispies and cookies for dessert. Most importantly, it’s an approachable menu at a dive joint’s price point,” the Barnaby Group said.
Beverage offerings will feature beer, Jell-O shots and well drinks, along with margaritas from two margarita machines. Also planned are a weekday “Amaro Hour” from 7 to 8 p.m. and Sunday brunch specials featuring mimosas and bloody marys.
Entertainment will include karaoke nights, trivia, bingo, bar olympics and other themed events, the release said.
Hours will be 11 a.m. until midnight or so, Tuesday through Sunday.
Barnaby Group, founded by Mary Olive and John Stephens, has also announced plans for a neighborhood pub called The Lady, at 5700 Kavanaugh Blvd. in Little Rock, and South School, a 23-acre nature-based retreat at 21 E. 19th St. in Fayetteville.
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