The Barrel Tavern has reopened its Sherman Oaks doors under new ownership and following a “slight remodel,” a company spokesperson in an email Wednesday told What Now Los Angeles.
Updates include a refurbished bar and furniture, new murals, and artwork, and the addition of live music and karaoke via Hi Ho Karaoke.
There are also a variety of craft beer and drink specials “being worked on” as well.
Scott Jacoby and Robert Jayne, longtime regulars of The Barrel Tavern, at 4547 Van Nuys Blvd, are the new owners, taking over the dive bar with a background in real estate and film.
Jacoby and Jayne, actors and house-flippers, have jointly appeared in more than 100 films and have flipped more than 350 homes, and “vow to return the landmark to its former heyday,” the spokesperson said via a prepared statement.
“After original Owner Carl Manisco sold [The Barrel Tavern] in the mid-1990s, the bar lost some of its luster, though the regulars were ever faithful,” according to the statement.
“When the second owner passed away last year, Jacoby and Jayne were able to realize their long-nurtured dream of buying the bar to bring it back to its former glory.”
It’s being referred to by ownership as “’Cheers’ for the 21st century.”
“The regulars were back day one; this is as much theirs as ours,” Jayne said.
“At the same time, it’s been amazing to see all the new faces enjoy a birthday, karaoke, or live music night. Karaoke is especially taking off; one of our bartenders sings from behind the bar and is amazing!”
Despite selling the bar, Manisco maintained ownership of the building.
Now in his 90s, he wanted only Jayne and Jacoby to have both, which are held by two LLCs.
Their partner in the building Donald Acquino connected the dots with Manisco and helped closed the deal.
“It was important to us to have Carl’s blessing and we made an agreement that he would sell only to us,” Jayne said.
“He has so many stories and we’re honored to be entrusted with its incredible history.”
