Bearfoot Tavern will reopen later this week with new look after roof collapse

Bearfoot Tavern is set to reopen with a new and improved look later on Dec. 5, the restaurant announced in a Facebook post.

The popular downtown gastropub closed for more than a year after heavy winds and intense rain collapsed the roof in July 2024.

Repairing the roof required a long and intense renovation process, during which owner Kris Ellis decided to make additional improvements to the restaurant, including making the 113-year-old building’s second floor operational again.

The second floor will include a full bar and golf simulators, Ellis previously told The Telegraph. The new and improved Bearfoot Tavern will compliment the Social Duck next door, which Ellis also owns.

“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.”

Ellis promised that even with the new renovations, Bearfoot Tavern will continue to deliver top flight drinks, food and service that has endeared diners to the eatery since it opened.

According to Bearfoot Tavern’s Facebook post, the Dec. 5 reopening will feature live music from local artist Lewis Ashe. The post said the event will celebrate Bearfoot Tavern’s past, and toast to its future.

“From devastation to restoration, from construction dust to warm lights and cold beer — Bearfoot is coming back stronger, better, and more beautiful than ever,” The post said.