Harbell's in transition after recent closure

The former owner of Harbell’s Grill and Sports Bar is seeking to transition the business to a new operator after a recent closure.

David Bauer, who owns the 315 Park Central West building in downtown Springfield and sold the restaurant in 2021, said he executed a contractual agreement that allowed him to reassume ownership of the concept on Jan. 26. That timed with the restaurant's closure, he said, noting the former ownership group operated the business with sporadic hours in recent days.

Bauer sold Harbell's to entrepreneur Marlin Blakeney less than two years ago, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting.

"It was built into payment performance, mainly. There were other financial issues and prerequisites to the business contract and lease agreement that were not properly performed," Bauer said. "So, I had to act on my contract."

Blakeney could not be reached for comment by deadline.

"It was the best for both concerned," said Bauer, who also owns Coyote's Adobe Cafe.

Bauer posted a statement on the transition to a question about a closure at Harbell's on the Eat Springfield Mo/Springfield Restaurants Facebook group.

"In the short term, it’s put the pieces back together, get the facility ready for the next operator and interview a few potential groups that are looking to own and operate Harbell’s, then make the best decision," he said in the post. "As the building and prior business owner, our goal is to rebuild the Harbell’s name. We have others that are looking to lease our facility for other concepts, but our intention is sell the Harbell’s Grill and Sports Bar concept to another operator or reopen and operate it ourselves, but it’s a business decision that has many layers and we want what is the best for all concerned."

Harbell's was founded in 2011 by Jerry and Derek Bumgarner. Bauer bought the business and 7,500-square-foot building in late 2018, according to past reporting.