Murray's Tavern Takes Over Gourmands Space

Murray's Tavern, a new concept from Travis Tober of Nickel City and chef Nic Yanes of Juniper, is set to open at 2316 Webberville Road in December.

The two local entrepreneurs (who have worked together on Uncle Nicky's and are also behind concepts like Old Pal in Lockhart and Dirdie Birdie at the Domain) are joined by veteran bar manager Brett Esler as they take over the former space of popular bar/sandwich shop Gourmands on the Eastside.

Murray's is named after Tober's grandmother, who helped him kickstart his restaurant career. The cocktails, crafted by Esler and Tober, will be a focus of the menu along with food by Yanes such as oysters Rockefeller, burgers, and pasta. The tavern pays homage to Gourmand's with a pancetta and corn chowder served in the former spot's signature bread bowl.

The ownership of Murray's worked with McCray & Co. (the design firm behind Tiki Tatsu-ya and Casa Cartel) on the interior. Tober says, "Everything looks incredible and guests can anticipate that electrifying, adult energy. We'll also have a dining room in the back that will be reserved exclusively for dinner services from Thursdays through Sundays, so the entire concept is like a reverse mullet – party in the front, business in the back."

"The vibe for Murray's Tavern is based on my grandmother's upbringing in NYC and New Jersey," Tober continues. "Nickel City was inspired by my grandfather's hangouts in Buffalo so it has a much more 'blue-collar' vibe. Murray's Tavern, on the other hand, has a little more refinement and 'grown up' feel. The evolution of Murray's from Nickel City feels natural – a way to honor her legacy while creating a place that transports you back to old-school taverns."

Murray's Tavern will be open from 3pm to midnight Sunday through Wednesday, and 3pm to 2am Thursday through Saturday. Lunch service will follow in early 2024.