Henflings Changes Hands
By Julie Horner
The Ben Lomond Fire Protection District, owner of Henflings Tavern, has decided not to renew the lease with the current business owner, Josh Miller, who has run the roadhouse along with Erin Maye Zimmer since 2018. A new chapter begins Sunday, September 1st, 2024 as Mario Ibarra, proprietor of Aroma Restaurant in Ben Lomond takes over the lease.
The BLFPD Board of Directors voted unanimously in a closed door session in July to accept a proposal from Mario Ibarra and Antonio Hernandez to secure the lease. A proposal from the owners of Sir Froggie’s Pub in Soquel was turned down in favor of Ibarra and Hernandez. In a statement, Mario said, “We are working on the transition right now. We also will be doing some remodeling, so we don’t know when we’ll officially be open.”
Josh Miller shared his thoughts on social media: “Well… my tenure as a bar owner finally comes to an end on August 31st. I’m excited to be free of the daily stress and to gain back the time I need to invest in my children, who need me dearly right now. It has been one hell of an experience with a whole hell of a lot of extreme ups and downs over the past six years. I’m proud of what I’ve learned and accomplished, and I feel I’ve played my part in keeping a historic landmark in operation and have set it on a new path for future success. Our last weekend in operation will run from Thursday thru Sunday and will include the karaoke and live music you are all used to. I am working with a new owner, who I think you will all be pleased with, so we can bring Henflings Tavern back to the community watering hole it is supposed to be, and to make it re-open as quickly as possible for all of you to enjoy.”
During Miller’s tenure, significant upgrades were made to the establishment including remodeling the restrooms, installing new kitchen equipment, bringing the electrical up to code, and creating a vibrant outdoor space complete with a pool table and dart boards. Special emphasis was placed on live music on stage and late night bites from the kitchen.
This final weekend neighbors will lift a pint in honor of the hard work that has been put into this storied neighborhood hub and to celebrate new beginnings. Two great bands are scheduled: Friday, August 30 it’s rockin’ jazz-fusion bass player Dan Robbins & Friends featuring Lani Poulsen on vocals, and on Saturday, August 31 enjoy danceable rock n’ roll from the John Michael Band. Follow Henflings Tavern on Facebook for updates.
Related Articles: Henflings: Still a Community Hub & Henflings to Reopen in Ben Lomond
Featured photo by Julie Horner
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Julie Horner is Co-Founder and Editor for the San Lorenzo Valley Post. Julie lives and works in Boulder Creek and is an active participant in the county's vibrant music scene. She loves the outdoors and is the go-to expert on Santa Cruz Mountains hiking trails.
