'Shuffleboard headquarters': One of Norfolk's oldest bars re-opens under new ownership
Co-owner Andrew McCarthy purchased The Office Bar in downtown Norfolk in October and officially re-opened Tuesday.
"I loved coming here over the years," said McCarthy. "It was important for me to keep it open."
The dive bar has been downtown since at least the 1930s.
Last year, it closed for months due to COVID-19.
"Then the bar continued to operate but on a very limited basis," said McCarthy.
The hours are something McCarthy aims to change as he re-opens.
"Having a regular operational schedule, getting bartenders in here who can get to know their customers and bring back the regulars that came here," said McCarthy.
"We came here for years," said Shorty Johnson. "It was known as the 'shuffleboard headquarters'."
Locals said the previous owner was a huge shuffleboard fan.
"He had three tables in here and he had people coming in from all over the state," said Johnson.
Popularity is a trend the new owner hopes to keep up.
"Bring back happy hour and get the social gathering back here at this bar," said McCarthy.
This is an effort McCarthy is familiar with as he owns District Table and Tap downtown.
"Opportunities don't come around very often to purchase an establishment like this with all the history and characteristics it has," said McCarthy. "Just to be part of another establishment downtown is a privilege to me."
Despite the growth of nightlife in downtown Norfolk, it's hard to compete with history.
"A lot of regulars that have been coming here for years and years have been very grateful, and they've been looking forward to coming in again," said McCarthy.
"Youths and old folks, everybody just tries to come in and get along," said Rick Eberhardt.
To see the bar's new hours click HERE.
