Hole in the Wall Austin: Dive Bar's New Owners, New Era

Austin's iconic Hole in the Wall bar gets new owners committed to preserving its legacy.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:49am

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An abstract, minimalist composition featuring bold, jagged shapes in striking red and white, conceptually representing the iconic Hole in the Wall dive bar and the preservation of Austin's musical heritage.The vibrant weekend celebration of Hole in the Wall's 50th anniversary will bring fun, local flavor, and creative energy to the heart of Austin's music scene.Austin Today

The beloved Austin dive bar Hole in the Wall, a fixture on The Drag since the mid-70s, has been sold to new owners Mike Lavigne and Courtney Goforth. While patrons may have been concerned about the bar's future, the new owners are passionate about preserving the essence of this iconic spot and building upon its legacy as a cultural hub and sanctuary for music lovers.

Why it matters

Hole in the Wall is more than just a bar - it's a living, breathing testament to Austin's rich musical history, having hosted a who's who of the city's musical royalty over the decades. The new owners' commitment to maintaining the bar's unique atmosphere and enhancing it with thoughtful improvements is crucial to ensuring the venue's longevity and continued relevance in Austin's rapidly evolving music scene.

The details

The new owners, Mike Lavigne and Courtney Goforth, are not just business-minded entrepreneurs, but passionate about preserving the essence of Hole in the Wall. They plan to build upon the bar's legacy by maintaining its unique atmosphere, adding a permanent, high-quality dining option, and expanding the programming to include more touring acts and diverse genres like punk, drag, and comedy. The transition process has been marked by a sense of community and continuity, with the previous owner staying on as a partner and former managers still involved.

  • Hole in the Wall has been a fixture on The Drag since the mid-1970s.
  • The bar was recently sold to new owners Mike Lavigne and Courtney Goforth.

The players

Hole in the Wall

A beloved dive bar in Austin, Texas that has been a fixture on The Drag since the mid-1970s, known for its rich musical history and cultural significance.

Mike Lavigne

One of the new owners of Hole in the Wall, committed to preserving the bar's legacy and enhancing it with thoughtful improvements.

Courtney Goforth

One of the new owners of Hole in the Wall, working alongside Mike Lavigne to maintain the bar's unique atmosphere and expand its programming.

Will Tanner

The previous owner of Hole in the Wall, who is staying on as a partner in the transition to the new ownership.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

The transition of Hole in the Wall to new ownership represents a story of resilience, community, and the enduring power of a city's cultural landmarks. By respecting the bar's history and legacy while also embracing thoughtful evolution, the new owners are poised to ensure that this iconic Austin institution continues to thrive and serve as a beacon for the city's vibrant music scene.