A new bar and restaurant, called the Logan Tavern, has opened in the old Bulldog Tavern location at 1305 N. Hamilton, just north of the Gonzaga University campus.

The building has hosted several businesses since the closure of the Bulldog Tavern in 2012, the last to occupy the 3,300-square-foot space, Scotty’s Doghouse, closed in December.

Nehemiah Zilar and his friends, J.D. Winn and Erik Morris, co-own the new venture.

“It’s been kind of quiet so far, but we’re expecting things to start picking up for March Madness and St. Patrick’s Day,” says Zilar. “Right now, we’re focused on meeting the neighborhood and getting a feel for what customers here enjoy.”

Zilar says he and his fellow co-owners are all from the Spokane area and already have some ties with the Logan neighborhood, from which the tavern takes its name.

“Erik owns the Pita Pit franchise at 818 E. Sharp, and he and J.D. co-own two other Pita Pit locations together; one at 2916 S. Regal, here in Spokane, and another location in Pullman,” he says. “We knew this place back when it was the Bulldog and saw this as a good opportunity to open a space together.”

Zilar says the space has undergone some minor cosmetic and layout changes inside, as its owners hope to create a cozier atmosphere.

“The previous space had more of a nightclub feel, but we’ve added some things to make it feel more like a cozy neighborhood bar,” he says, adding that Logan Tavern has 11 employees.

Zilar says the tavern has a full bar with some specialty drinks, and a food menu featuring traditional pub fare.

“We’re still figuring some things out, but we’re really excited to be here,” he says.