An inside look at the NEW Dave’s Pub, opening soon in Five Points South [PHOTOS]

In May, Bham Now reported that Dave’s Pub was officially under the new ownership of Dan and Sherri Williams. Over the past few months, Dan, Sherri and the entire Dave’s Pub team have been hard at work remodeling the iconic Five Points South pub while awaiting approval of its liquor license.

With the grand reopening just around the corner, Bham Now met with the new owners of Dave’s Pub to learn more about the renovation and their plans for the future.

New owners + new vision for Dave’s Pub

Founded in 1995, Dave’s Pub has been a mainstay in Five Points South for nearly three decades. Located at 1128 20th St S on the ground floor of the Terrace Court apartments, Dave’s Pub is known for its tight-knit community, its platform as a space for local musicians and for going “all out” during the annual Five Points South St. Patrick Day Parade.

“[Dave’s Pub] is not a normal bar. People aren’t just sitting around on their phones, they’re striking up conversations with strangers. It’s like you’re friends with everyone in the room.

When we see regulars out in public, it’s like seeing long-lost friends. Dave’s Pub is all about community.”

Hayden Thomas, Events Manager, Dave’s Pub

In May, new owner Dan Williams announced on the Dave’s Pub Instagram account that although the bar was in new hands, they were not planning any major changes aside from a much-needed renovation.

“We got the keys on May 21, and on our first day we brought a dumpster and began ripping all the old equipment, plumbing and junk out. Then we could start putting things back together.”

Dan Williams, Co-Owner, Dave’s Pub

Since May, Dan, Sherri and the Dave’s Pub staff have put in countless hours getting the bar into shape.

“I was around when Dave’s first came on the scene in the 1990s, so part of our vision was to get the pub back to that late 90s, early 2000s vibe.

At the same time, maintaining the current staff was a priority. The personnel are an incredibly important part of the Dave’s Pub experience, so our goal is to give them a safe, clean work environment that made them proud to come to work each day.”

Dan Williams, Co-Owner, Dave’s Pub

Hayden Thomas, an employee of Dave’s Pub for nearly a year, is particularly proud of the bar’s transformation.

“Normally in the service industry, when bars change hands, people leave. We’ve retained almost the entire staff during this transition. That’s how much we love Dave’s how much we believe in Dan and Sherri.

The staff have all had a hand in the renovation and I feel proud when I think of how far its come. Dave’s is my second home.”

Hayden Thomas, Events Manager, Dave’s Pub

Here’s what’s new at Dave’s Pub

For those of you who have been to Dave’s Pub before, the newly-renovated bar will look different, but familiar.

Some changes are subtle, like the standardized paint scheme throughout the pub and the new wood flooring over the 1940s-era penny tile floor. Other changes are more noticeable, such as the completely redone restrooms.

“The original restrooms needed a lot of work. The toilets were built on a pedestal for some reason, and the sinks were falling apart.

We ripped out everything, leveled the floor and installed all new equipment. It really is a huge improvement.”

Dan Williams, Co-Owner, Dave’s Pub

The bar itself has been outfitted with new equipment and the bartop was sanded, epoxied and lacquered. A new tap machine will be added to the wall soon, featuring local beers from Good People, TrimTab and more.

Other elements of the renovation include:

• New furniture throughout the bar
• A new, in-house PA system
• The removal of the mini-stage, replaced with a lounge area
• New art throughout
• And more

To continue fostering the sense of community that Dave’s is known for, events manager Hayden Thomas will be hosting a variety of events throughout the week, including:

• “Sunday Funnies,” featuring comedy acts
• “Service Industry Nights” on Mondays, with $3 well shots for service industry employees
• “Trivia Tuesdays”
• Bingo on Wednesdays
• Events for the college crowd on Thursdays
• Live music three nights a week, the biggest being Friday night
• Singer/songwriter events on Saturday followed by karaoke in the evening

Interested in performing at Dave’s Pub? Reach out to Hayden Thomas at bookings@davespub.com with an EPK (electronic press kit) or video of you performing live.

When will Dave’s Pub reopen in Five Points South?

Aside from a few touch-ups here and there, Dave’s Pub is nearly ready to reopen. The final necessary step is the approval of the bar’s liquor license, which is on the city’s docket. If all goes according to plan, Dan Williams hopes to reopen Dave’s Pub in early August.

“We’re so excited to show off all the work we’ve done and can’t wait to have people back in their local pub. Dave’s has been around for nearly 30 years, and we hope to be around for another 30 years.

We’re looking forward to being part of this neighborhood and want everyone to come out and enjoy this unique community.”

Dan Williams, Co-Owner, Dave’s Pub

Excited to see the new Dave’s Pub? What is your favorite part of the renovation? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!