GAINESVILLE - The oldest watering hole in Gainesville is scheduled to make way for a new residential condominium project, the owner confirmed Thursday.
Henry O's opened as The Brass Register shortly after liquor-by-the-drink was legalized in the city in the mid 1970s. Henry O. Ward, Jr., said Thursday that The Brass Register was owned by his brother, Harry. Henry says he bought the place a couple of years later and changed the name - and hasn't looked back.
Over the years, it's been a favorite spot to gather to argue over and watch Georgia-Georgia Tech football games, listen to well-known local bands and other musicians, and enjoy everything from bar munchies to meat-and-three lunches and a steak dinner.
Ward credits a loyal clientele with helping keep the place open for nearly three decades. He says that, along with owning his own building and property, has made it easier for him to compete with the chain restaurant/bars that have moved into town in the past 10-15 years.
He said "yes" when asked it it would be fair to compare Henry O's with the legendary Manuel's Tavern in Decatur - a landmark Atlanta area watering hole, which has hosted a varied clientele over the years ranging from powerful politicians and other community leaders to everyday working people.
Ward said Thursday he begin thinking about doing something different with the Spring and Academy site about a year ago and talked with a number of developers and looked at successful developments in other downtowns.
But, he emphasizes that, for now, Henry O's is still open and promised "plenty of notice" for his customers before he closes the doors permanently.
Thursday
October 24th, 2024
7:29PM
