Bristol Republic opened its doors at Bridge Park on Sept. 10, bringing Nashville-inspired barbecue and live music to the corner of Bridge Park Avenue and Mooney Street.

Mayor Groomes, the Dublin Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Rep. Mike Carey attended the ribbon cutting at 4495 Bridge Park Ave. Carey, who represents the district in Congress, said on X that he wished "the Bristol Republic team all the best" and called the opening a sign that "Dublin continues to grow."

Owner Brian Swanson, founder of Experience Hospitality Group, relocated Bristol Republic from its original location at 1124 N. High St. in Columbus's Short North, where it opened in 2019. The menu followed him.

The move to Bridge Park came through a partnership with Crawford Hoying, the development firm behind the 30-acre mixed-use district along the Scioto River, according to a Visit Dublin press release.

The 6,500-square-foot, multi-level space houses two concepts under one roof, according to NBC4. Bristol Republic's open kitchen, overseen by Chef Greg Roy, serves smoked brisket, Texas-style ribs, steaks, stone-fired pizzas and seasonal salads. Twenty large-screen televisions cater to game-day crowds.

Tucked inside the same building is The Saddle Club, a cocktail and whiskey lounge with a separate identity. The lounge features live jazz, weekend DJs and a whiskey-focused cocktail program. It can host private events for up to 50 guests, according to earlier reporting on the concept.

The entertainment lineup extends beyond The Saddle Club. Bristol Republic plans national and local musical acts on Fridays and Saturdays, live-band karaoke on Thursdays and acoustic performances during weekend brunch.

Dublin City Council acted in March 2026 to expand the Bridge Park Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) to include the sidewalk at the Mooney Street and Bridge Park Avenue corner, according to council meeting minutes. Staff at the time cited the need to accommodate increased pedestrian traffic near the planned restaurant.

Swanson said in a statement ahead of the opening, as reported by NBC4, that he wanted to build "a place where people can spend an entire day and night enjoying themselves." Experience Hospitality Group also operates Worthington Tavern, Bodega, Apt. B and West Palm Cowboy Club in Florida.

Live-band karaoke starts Thursdays, with national and local acts playing Fridays and Saturdays at 4495 Bridge Park Ave.