The former Bulldog Tavern property in Spokane's Logan neighborhood has changed hands. Erik Morris and J.D. Winn, co-owners of Logan Tavern — which occupies the site — acquired the property in April for $1.6 million through their company Morrwinn LLC, from Willard Quinn III.

Located at 1305 N. Hamilton, the site includes the tavern building and a smaller empty structure north of the building, that will likely be available for lease in the future, Morris says. 

"Being the actual property owners is definitely more an investment," Morris says of the transaction. "But now this location is secured and we hope to lease out the extra building next door."

Morris and Winn co-own the Logan Tavern restaurant with Brittany Propp and Eric McGraw, who were not involved in the property acquisition. For Morris and Winn, buying the site is a strategic move to stabilize the location for a business they have spent over eight years investing in.

Increasing revenue and brand awareness while retaining the neighborhood identity is the main goal for Morris, who says the restaurant has a dedicated customer base in the immediate neighborhood. 

"We want to keep operating as usual, but also find ways to increase revenue," Morris says.

Morris and Winn both agree the restaurant industry is volatile with shifting customer trends and economic pressures. Despite the challenges, the co-owners attribute their success to prioritizing consistency and relationships.

"Treat people good, and they do the rest," Winn says. "Building and maintaining our business relations is what creates and promotes future stability."

The deal seals a decades-long ownership by Quinn, who explains that his father bought the property in 1973. Quinn later acquired it from his father in 1987.

The site is deeply rooted in Spokane's history, as the Bulldog Tavern occupied the site for 65 years as a "neighborhood staple" for Gonzaga University students and area residents before closing in August 2011, says Quinn.

Quinn previously tried to sell the property to Mary Livingston in 2011, who reopened the space as the University Bar & Grill. However, her business shuttered after one year, and Quinn gave Livingston her down payment back, keeping ownership of the property, he says.

"I tried to convince her to retain ownership and lease the property out," Quinn says. "She wasn't interested in holding onto any of it and walked away."

Morris and Winn say the acquisition has ensured they'll have a space for the Logan Tavern to operate for years to come.

"This gives us more control over our future," Morris says.

Morris also owns the nearby Pita Pit restaurant at 818 E. Sharp, and he and Winn also own a Pita Pit at 2916 S. Regal together.