The Purple Martin, which originally opened in March 2014, closed its doors in late December 2016, reopening with new ownership and a brand-new menu of American comfort food, craft cocktails and more on Jan. 18.

The new management includes partners Mark Hinson and George Walker, who previously owned neighborhood watering hole Van Goghz Martini Bar and Bistro (now operating as Crafted). Mark has 28 years of experience in the field of hospitality and George has 15 years of ecxperience. Together, the couple co-owns The Purple Martin with George’s colleague from his days as a teacher, Tina Zweifel.

“We’re excited to be back in the neighborhood and the neighborhood is excited for us to be back,” George says. “We’re good friends with the previous owners, Brooke and Tony. They did a great job with the space and décor, and we’re happy they trusted us to keep it going.”

The approximately 2,500-square-foot space, which seats up to 125 across its dining rooms and patio, largely retains its original identity complete with colorful cushion-topped bench seats, exposed brick walls and purple accents. New additions include amusements such as dart boards, a jukebox and weekly entertainment in the form of open mic night and trivia night.

“We decided to keep the name because we really like the purple martin and what it represents,” George says. “Purple martins are birds that live in communities, thus, our motto: ‘Where birds of all feathers flock together.’”

THE PURPLE MARTIN MENU