‘Totally brand new’ look is coming to popular downtown Macon spot. What we know

It has been nearly a year since catastrophic roof damage led Bearfoot Tavern to close its doors, but a complete renovation is in the works.

Strong winds and rain collapsed the roof at the popular gastropub located on 468 Second St. on July 21, 2024. At first, owner Kris Ellis didn’t realize the extent of the damage would lead to a painstakingly long renovation process. Since Ellis had acquired the 113 year-old building in 2021, he had never had access to the second floor because there weren’t any stairs. It was flooding from the second floor that had caused the roof to collapse.

As part of the renovation plan, Ellis plans to make full use of the second story of the building by adding stairs. On the second story, there will be a full bar and golf simulators. With its neighbor, The Social Duck, which Ellis also owns, the “totally brand new” Bearfoot Tavern will fill a lack of entertainment on Second Street. The two businesses will complement each other and form an “entertainment hub” according to Ellis.

“Think of it as two floors of fun and outdoor space. I just envision it being like your one stop shop for food, entertainment, live music, bowling, golf,” Ellis said. “I don’t think there’s anything else like that down here in downtown Macon, so I just see it as being a very family-friendly, fun place.”

No other major design changes are expected. People can still expect a kitchen with dine-in seating and a beer garden, which the restaurant had before.

Bearfoot has been operating out of a food truck since late January. The food truck is providing food for the Social Duck next door, and will keep doing so until Social Duck’s kitchen is ready for use. When asked about how the two restaurants will work together when Bearfoot reopens, Ellis said he would like them to flow.

“People can experience both live music and bowling and great food at either location, a good bar at both locations, and also a place to kind of hang out if you’re waiting for your bowling to come online,” Ellis said.

Ellis estimates Bearfoot will reopen in about three to four months, but it is subject to change as they head into the final stage of construction.