Former executive director opens 1950s-inspired bar inside historic house

You’ve probably heard of Jim Sweeney – and if you haven’t, well, mostly everyone else has.

Sweeney, former executive director of the Franklinton Development Association, is breathing new life into a row of historic old homes in Franklinton, transforming them to restaurants, retail spaces, and most recently – a bar.

His newest concept, Sweeney’s Walnut Street Tavern, just opened on Thursday, August 29 at 500 W. Walnut St. The dark, moody tavern is reminiscent of the 1950s, an ode to the neighborhood’s post World War II glory days.

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Guests can find their own sense of home here – the tavern boasts cheap beer and affordable cocktails, a cozy bar area, an outdoor patio in the front and the back, and they even spin vinyl that patrons have donated. You might recognize one of the institutions behind the bar, Justin Ryan, who for decades has been running local bars, including Land-Grant Brewing.

Stop in, take a shot, listen to tunes – welcome to your new (old?) home away from home.

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