Roaring back? Find out who is seeking an alcohol license for Augusta's legendary Red Lion

Joe Hotchkiss, Augusta Chronicle
The Red Lion in Augusta as it looked in 1958 when ownership was taken over by G. Allen Briggs and E.W. Wallen.
The Red Lion in Augusta as it looked in 1958 when ownership was taken over by G. Allen Briggs and E.W. Wallen.

Will the Red Lion roar again?

The Augusta Commission on Friday is scheduled to consider granting an alcohol license to Michael Schepis on behalf of the legendary bar and live-music venue at 1936 Walton Way, at its intersection with Baker Avenue.

Though it's undergone several minor name changes since opening in 1941, the business is listed on the city's meeting agenda as "Red Lion Bar & Grill" and as a "new business" in city licensing information.

Remember that time? Augustans share their fondest memories of the Red Lion

Schepis' Hickory Tree Holdings LLC bought the Red Lion property in 2019.

Schepis cofounded The Pizza Joint on Broad Street in December 1996 as other young entrepreneurs gained a foothold in downtown with such now-popular hangouts as Nacho Mama's and Soul Bar.

The Red Lion Pub is seen Monday, Sept. 10, 2007 in Augusta, Ga. RAINIER EHRHARDT/STAFF
The Red Lion Pub is seen Monday, Sept. 10, 2007 in Augusta, Ga. RAINIER EHRHARDT/STAFF

Schepis also cofounded Oliviana's Bar Italiano & Pizzeria in 2012 with local entrepreneur Alain de Bernardi. The restaurant is in Augusta's Surrey Center on Highland Avenue, in the former Polka Dot Pig Gastropub.

The Red Lion Grille was opened officially in June 1941 as both a drive-in and sit-down restaurant by Ralph "Red" Scarborough, already an established restaurauteur as the owner of the old S&S Coffee Shop at Eighth and Ellis streets.

The Red Lion soon became a popular venue for parties, civic club meetings and upscale dining. Its popularity also grew as one of the first restaurants in Augusta to offer air-conditioning.

A 1941 advertisement for the recently opened Red Lion Grill as it appeared in The Augusta Chronicle.
A 1941 advertisement for the recently opened Red Lion Grill as it appeared in The Augusta Chronicle.

In there 40 years or so before it closed to the public around 2008, the Red Lion built a strong reputation for supporting local and regional musical artists by playing host to live shows.

Referred to alternately as a grill, a pub and a bar, the Red Lion has changed ownership and management several times. In the 1960s, Italian-born master chef Sal Risafi renamed it Risafi's Red Lion Restaurant and ran it until his death in 1966.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta's iconic Red Lion applying for alcohol license, could reopen

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