After being closed for several months, The Town Pump, a dive pub that has been a fixture in Little Rock’s Riverdale neighborhood (1321 Rebsamen Park Road), will reopen on Thursday.The Barnaby Group, the same company that owns the Italian eatery George’s in Little Rock’s Heights district, bought it earlier this year.
A news release from the Barnaby Group states that the bar would maintain its gritty image while launching a packed entertainment lineup, an improved culinary program, and some design changes.
More from the news release is as follows:
The strategy was straightforward: “We didn’t take this on to make big changes,” stated Greg Baber, Director of Front of House Operations at Barnaby Group. We’re still serving burgers, wings, and cool beer, and the bar and karaoke stage haven’t moved. We made the necessary repairs and left the place’s spirit alone. For the next 60 years, the Town Pump is prepared.
With his culinary expertise applied to the dishes we genuinely want to eat—fried chicken and biscuits, wings, and the classic Town Pump burger—Culinary Director Wes Mickel’s menu ups the ante. Adults will love the fried nuggets, buffalo dip, rice crispies and cookies for dessert, and the chili crunch wrap supreme, which has become a new favorite. Most significantly, the food is affordable for a dive establishment.
Fans of Town Pump may still anticipate jello shots, well cocktails with solid pours, and cold bottled beer on ice. Beverage Director David Hesselbein also thoughtfully added two frozen margarita machines and a few surprises, such as a Sunday brunch special with Bloody Marys and Mimosas and a midweek Amaro Hour from 7 to 8 p.m. Behind the bar, the same warm, recognizable faces will be offering slightly stronger (and colder) cocktails.
In addition to trivia, bingo, bar olympics, and a changing schedule of themed events, Town Pump’s renowned karaoke evenings will return. Live performances by local performers will keep the stage occupied. Every week, the Town Pump’s social media outlets will be the first to notify any updates.
For 60 years, Town Pump has been offering fun and pouring refreshing beverages. I felt that the meal wasn’t always up to par. We just improved the menu and gave the kitchen more attention; we’re not here to reinvent the wheel. According to Baber, visitors may now come for all three: delicious cuisine, refreshing drinks, and an unforgettable time.
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. till after midnight.
A couple from Little RockStephens, JohnThe Barnaby Group’s founders, Mary Olive Stephens, renovated the former Cafe Prego location at 5510 Kavanaugh Blvd. and established George’s in the Little Rock Heights neighborhood in 2023. Warren Stephens, the chairman of Stephens Inc., is the father of John Stephens, who was appointed co-CEO of the Little Rock investment company in January after his father resigned as CEO to serve as ambassador to the UK. (The other co-CEO is Miles Stephens, John Stephens’ brother.) Mary Olive Stephens serves on the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts’ board of trustees.
The Barnaby Group revealed plans earlier this year to build a hospitality resort called South School in Fayetteville and a new restaurant called The Lady in Little Rock’s Heights district.
It’s dragon-slaying time!
The Arkansas Times, which relentlessly defends the fundamental rights and liberties in our community, stands as a light of truth in an era when critical voices are being silenced more and more. Our commitment to provide uncompromising journalism has never been more important, especially with Arkansas in the center of a broad culture war that is impacting our libraries, schools, and public conversation. We can’t accomplish our goals of defeating dragons and holding those in positions of authority responsible alone. You can guarantee that independent journalism in Arkansas not only endures but flourishes by making a contribution today. We can join the fight and make a difference together.
