New look, management for Marty’s bar
August 31, 2015
Tyson Sledge, general manager of Marty’s, stands in the outside walled off area in front of the bar August 27. The silver towers on either side of Sledge are heaters that will keep those eating and drinking outside warm during cooler days.
Marty’s bar and apartments have undergone new management and ownership, which will include renovations and upgrades.
The Jackson Family of Dealerships in Decatur and Sullivan purchased Marty’s bar on the corner of Fourth Street and Grant Avenue in June and opened the bar two weeks ago.
Mark Jackson purchased the bar and apartments from previous owner Dave Kinnaird.
Renovations will include raising the ceilings to 17 feet, installing new bars and extending the building.
Extending the original Marty’s building will make it more handicap-accessible.
New speakers, DJ booth equipment, club lighting and portable payment systems will be added to the bar in the upcoming months.
Tyson Sledge, general manager of Marty’s, said he does not want to change the essence of Marty’s.
“We want to keep Marty’s history, with a fresh look,” Sledge.
The bar will also add a new kitchen with a greater focus on their lunch menu.
Additional changes will be made during the semester for some project during winter and summer break and for larger projects like a ceiling upgrade.
The apartments neighboring Marty’s bar were sold as a package deal with the bar and will also get minor upgrades they are expected to be full for next fall by the end of next month.
The family owns two car dealerships, car washes and apartments, but this is their first bar purchase.
Sledge said the improvements should be done in the spring or sometime next summer.
The security will also be upgraded and parking will be easier for guests said Sledge.
Marty’s will also be open during the summer.
“People don’t have to worry if they show up and we’ll be closed,” Sledge said. “(Marty’s) always has somebody watching.”
He is also not worried about citations for serving anybody underage because the bar typically has two sets of eyes checking IDs.
Sledge said the panther on the corner is almost like a landmark, and they will dress it up during special events throughout the year.
The bar opens at 11 a.m. daily, with lunch ending around 4 p.m. Closing time on weekends will be 2 a.m., with the bar closing slightly earlier on other nights.
Bar hours were set to 2 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with a recent City Council ordinance that was extended by Mayor Brandon Combs.
Tony Komada can be reached at 581-2812 or tskomada@eiu.edu
