Michael Schepis, owner of the local Pizza Joint restaurants, as well as Oliviana’s in Surrey Center, recently purchased the historic Red Lion Pub on Walton Way for $425,000.
The Red Lion Pub was a fancy steakhouse decades ago, serving steak and lobster before closing down and being turned into one of Augusta’s most happening bars in the 80’s and 90’s.
The Red Lion was built in the 1930’s by a member of the Boardman family after a trip to merry ‘ol England. During the restaurant’s heyday it was on par with the Town Tavern downtown (1960’s), garnering frequent mentions in the national press during the Masters.
Many Augustan’s had their first lobster at the Red Lion. In fact, the lobster tank was just inside the front door where the sound board for the bands wound up.
Don’t expect Schepis to open a pizza restaurant at that location. Insiders speculate Schepis is planning on opening an upscale restaurant, and knowing the successful restauranteur-he’ll take his time.
It’s an exciting turn for the building. We look forward to seeing what is in store.
