Bruno's Tavern, Popular New Orleans Bar, Up for Sale

Owner Tim Spratt cites desire to focus on other business ventures as reason for selling the 88-year-old establishment.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 5:37pm

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Bruno's Tavern, a popular bar located in New Orleans' Uptown neighborhood near Loyola and Tulane universities, has been put up for sale by its owner Tim Spratt. Spratt has owned the bar since 2019 but is now looking to move on and focus on other business and investment opportunities.

Why it matters

Bruno's Tavern has been a fixture in the New Orleans bar scene for decades, catering to generations of college students. Its potential sale represents the changing landscape of the city's small business community, as long-standing local establishments face pressure from larger corporate interests and shifting consumer preferences.

The details

Spratt purchased Bruno's Tavern in 2019 and has now decided to put the 88-year-old establishment up for sale. The bar, which requires patrons to be at least 19 years old, has been located at the corner of Maple and Hillary Streets since its opening in 1934. It has long been a popular hangout for both Loyola University and Tulane University students.

  • Bruno's Tavern opened in 1934.
  • Tim Spratt purchased the bar in 2019.
  • Spratt has now decided to put Bruno's Tavern up for sale in 2026.

The players

Tim Spratt

The owner of Bruno's Tavern since 2019, who is now looking to sell the bar to focus on other business ventures.

Bruno's Tavern

An 88-year-old bar located in New Orleans' Uptown neighborhood, near Loyola and Tulane universities, that has long been a popular hangout for college students.

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What they’re saying

“I bought the bar in 2019 and am moving on to focus other businesses and investments. I'm very grateful for everyone who has supported Bruno's over the years – managers, staff, and patrons.”

— Tim Spratt, Owner, Bruno's Tavern (loyolamaroon.com)

The takeaway

The potential sale of Bruno's Tavern, a beloved New Orleans institution, highlights the ongoing challenges facing small, independent businesses in the city as they navigate changing consumer preferences and competition from larger corporate interests.