Downtown Washington’s nightlife just landed in the hands of a local chef. Belle Nieder, a Washington native and executive chef at Top of the Hill Grill at the Franklin County Country Club, is now the owner of both the Sand Bar and The Axe Depot. She completed the transfers in mid-January and announced the news on social media on Thursday, turning a longtime childhood dream of running her own restaurant or bar into a reality.
New Owner Takes Over Downtown Favorites
According to the Emissourian, Nieder acquired both businesses in mid-January and plans to take over day-to-day operations. She has not yet laid out a full public roadmap, leaving regulars curious about what changes, if any, might be coming to the bar and axe-throwing venue.
How Sand Bar And Axe Depot Got Here
The Sand Bar hit the market late last year after decades of local ownership and quickly drew multiple inquiries, the Missourian reported. The Axe Depot, an axe-throwing entertainment spot on Front Street, is listed in the Washington Chamber directory as a BYOB event space and party destination.
What Regulars Can Expect For Now
Nieder’s experience as an executive chef suggests she brings a seasoned restaurant background to both properties, but she has not announced specific menu ideas or new programming yet. For the moment, customers can expect the Sand Bar and The Axe Depot to keep operating while she settles into ownership and figures out her next moves. The Emissourian currently offers the most detailed public account of the ownership change.
