Swizzle Inn, a beloved local bar that has been in operation for nearly three decades at 5835 N. 16th Street, Ste. A is under new ownership.
POV Foods, the company behind several Valley restaurants and bars, acquired the longtime neighborhood spot on May 19, according to AZ Central. Longtime owner Beth Johnson put the Swizzle Inn up for sale in February. Known for her community involvement and fundraising events, Johnson hopes the new owners will retain her staff. That wish has been fulfilled, with familiar faces remaining behind the bar. For regulars, the bar has long been considered a home away from home.
“The Swizzle Inn is the neighborhood’s living room,” Bill Toole, owner of POV Foods, said in a news release. “It’s a place people come to unwind, share a story, shoot some pool. We’re not here to change that, we’re here to honor it and keep the doors open for the next generation of regulars.”
Customers can expect popular traditions, such as Wednesday trivia and “catch of the day” specials, to remain in place. POV Foods plans to introduce limited-time offers and new drinks based on what has worked at their other establishments. The goal is to enhance the menu while keeping the core experience unchanged. The transition is intended to preserve the bar’s identity while offering a few fresh options.
Toole went on to say that the group is not “looking for a quick flip. This is our livelihood, our passion, and when we commit to a place, it’s for the long haul. We recognize how special Swizzle Inn is and what it means to the community, and we are absolutely going to honor that. I think just having that trust in us and we’ll continue to earn that in the days to come.”
POV Foods also owns Rusty Spur Saloon in Scottsdale, 32 Shea in Phoenix, Lakeside Bar & Grill in Peoria, Bill’s Grill in Prescott, and Red, White & Brew in Mesa and Prescott. These concepts range from casual dining and neighborhood bars to American-style grills and pubs. Each location emphasizes local appeal and a familiar, welcoming atmosphere. The addition of Swizzle Inn expands the group’s presence in the Phoenix area.
