Springfield-based Ebbets Field sold Aug. 2 to restaurateur Bruce Swisshelm, operating under a newly created company named Ebbets Field LLC. The new company is run by Swisshelm and others, including his son Scott.
Financial terms of the purchase between Ebbets Field LLC and previous owner Lance Reeves were not disclosed.
Swisshelm said Ebbets Field is a good concept and he will be looking to expand it in the future.
"We'd like to go to other college towns," he said. "We could never copy Lance but could certainly copy the food and atmosphere. Lance did a heck of a job building up the business for 10 years."
Reeves released a statement via e-mail concerning his decision to sell the sports-themed iconic restaurant and bar at 1027 E. Walnut St.
"While I put my all into Ebbets and it’s been an amazing experience, frankly, while cliché, I was made an offer I couldn’t refuse by Swisshelm," he wrote.
Reeves wrote in the e-mail he has no immediate plans but likely will pursue other business ventures in the future.
Employees of Ebbets have been kept on, including Reeves' girlfriend Becky Barnes as general manager, Swisshelm said.
In the e-mail, Reeves wrote the Swisshelms are "Springfield people."
"One of the key components to negotiations was in keeping the integrity of Ebbets Field, meaning the menu and atmosphere will remain the same," Reeves wrote.
In a separate move, Swisshelm and partners closed on July 1 the restaurant/bar Rivals at 3662 S. Glenstone, but it is unclear if another Ebbets might be moved into that location. In fact, Swisshelm said he is unsure what he will do with the building at this time but will make a move by early September.[[In-content Ad]]
