The Yella Beak Saloon, the long-running country bar on the Auburn-Enumclaw Road, is gearing up for a second act under new ownership after going dark in early January. New owners Marianne and Richard Eveland, listed on recent business filings, say they plan to renovate the space at 23525 SE 436th St. while preserving its character and keeping the dance floor in place. The business is already posting job listings as it readies for a relaunch.
New owners promise a careful refresh
According to WhatNow, the Evelands shared a message on the bar’s Facebook page pledging to keep the venue’s familiar "character and grit" even as they update the kitchen and service. The outlet also reports that the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board has approved the bar’s liquor license and that new ownership is hiring as part of its reopening push. In other words, the vibe is meant to stay the same, just with a refreshed back-of-house.
Closure in January and local reaction
The Yella Beak closed on Jan. 2, 2026, after then-owner Jason Comnik chose to shutter the business at the end of December. As reported by the Courier‑Herald, Comnik cited rising costs and a drop in traffic following a nearby White River bridge closure. The paper also noted that the building owners pledged to honor or refund gift cards.
The sudden shutdown sparked a wave of posts on community Facebook pages, where regulars swapped memories of live music nights, the dance floor and the wall of keepsakes that helped turn the bar into a local hangout rather than just another roadside stop.
Events, menu and hiring
The bar’s official site lists live music, bingo nights and a barbecue-forward menu, and currently carries a "we are hiring" notice for kitchen positions, according to Yella Beak Saloon. The site also displays the bar’s address and posted hours while the owners work through renovations and staffing.
What to watch next
WhatNow reports that no firm reopening date has been announced, and that the Evelands are asking followers to keep an eye on the bar’s Facebook page for progress updates. For the latest hiring notices, event details and opening information, locals can also watch the Yella Beak’s official website and social feeds as the saloon works its way back to life.
