Tun Tavern Dispute Settled, Paving Way for Historic Reopening

Marine veterans and Philadelphia organizations reach agreement to revive iconic birthplace of the U.S. Marine Corps

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A long-running dispute over the name and rights to the historic Tun Tavern in Philadelphia has been resolved, clearing the way for a nonprofit group of Marine veterans and local organizations to move forward with plans to rebuild the iconic landmark. The settlement ends a federal lawsuit filed by the owner of the Tun Tavern trademark, allowing the Tun Legacy Foundation to use the full historic name on its planned reproduction on Second Street in Old City.

Why it matters

The original Tun Tavern holds immense historical significance as the birthplace of the U.S. Marine Corps and a gathering place for colonial-era civic life. Its revival would restore an important piece of Philadelphia's history and provide a new destination for residents and visitors to experience the city's rich past.

The details

The Tun Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit led by Marine veterans and Philadelphia-area organizations, purchased a parking lot on Second Street in 2024 with plans to build a three-story reproduction of the original Tun Tavern, combining a restaurant and museum. However, the project faced a legal challenge from Montgomery Dahm, who owns the Tun Tavern trademark through his company Aljess and had planned to open his own Tun Tavern location nearby. The settlement allows the foundation to use the full historic name, while Dahm retains the right to open Tun Tavern restaurants in other locations.

  • In June 2024, Dahm filed a federal lawsuit against the Tun Legacy Foundation's plans to use the Tun Tavern name.
  • In September 2025, Dahm announced plans to convert a nearby restaurant, Lucha Cartel, into a second Tun Tavern location.
  • On November 10, 2025, as Marines marked the Corps' 250th anniversary, the dispute played out publicly with celebrations at both the foundation's site and Dahm's Chestnut Street restaurant.

The players

Tun Legacy Foundation

A nonprofit led by Marine veterans and Philadelphia-area organizations whose origins trace back to the original Tun Tavern, with plans to rebuild the historic landmark.

Montgomery Dahm

The owner of the Tun Tavern trademark through his company Aljess, who had planned to open his own Tun Tavern location near the foundation's proposed site.

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What they’re saying

“We're charging the hill together, now that we're no longer in a lawsuit.”

— Montgomery Dahm (The Inquirer)

“This lawsuit was the last external obstacle to getting the project done.”

— Craig Mills, Board Chair, Tun Legacy Foundation (The Inquirer)

What’s next

With the legal dispute resolved, the Tun Legacy Foundation plans to move forward with construction, aiming to raise the remaining funds needed to complete the $21 million project and open the new Tun Tavern reproduction.

The takeaway

The settlement of the Tun Tavern name dispute represents a significant milestone in the effort to revive this iconic piece of Philadelphia's history, paving the way for the Tun Legacy Foundation to bring back a gathering place that played a crucial role in the founding of the U.S. Marine Corps and the city's colonial-era civic life.