The Spar Tavern, at 2121 N. 30th Street in Tacoma’s Old Town, has changed ownership. A Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board application lists Spar Pub Old Town as the new business name.
The family behind the business announced the November 1 transition on social media, saying it had found buyers among longtime friends and customers.
The group includes Farrelli’s Pizza co-founder John Farrell. The application also lists Bernard Unwin, JoAnne Farrell, Link Elliott, Serina Hood, and Stephen Page as applicants for the liquor license transfer.
The bar announced that it would close November 1–3 and reopen November 4 at 4 p.m., ahead of its Funky Jazz Wednesday performance at 7 p.m.
The sale marks the end of the Manke family’s ownership. Kathy Manke and Suzanne Simchuk remodeled The Spar in 1988. In 2019, Kris Manke, Rena Manke, Adrielle Flinders, and Jeff Flinders purchased the business from Kathy.
“Before Kathy passed away, we spoke to her and told her we felt our chapter at the Spar was coming to an end. We let her know we had found the perfect owners, her longtime friends Bernie and Serina, the ultimate Spar flies. They brought in partners Link and Steven, two more Spar flies,” the former owners wrote on social media.
The tavern occupies the David Building, which dates to 1917.
Its menu includes burgers, sandwiches, seafood, salads, pizza, and breakfast items, alongside beer, wine, and cocktails. The tavern also offers family dining areas and live music on Wednesdays and Sundays.
