Bar Saeso, the compact cocktail bar tucked into Pendleton, has new owners and will not be closing for good. Hannah Wheatley and Evan Wallis, the couple behind Big Chill in College Hill, have acquired the space and say they will reopen it later this month. The sale follows a brief March closure that had regulars wondering if the bar's intimate, European-leaning vibe was gone for good. For now, it sounds more like a refresh than a reinvention.
As reported by Local 12, Bar Saeso announced a temporary closure on March 28 on Facebook and Instagram and introduced Wheatley and Wallis as the new owners, saying the pair planned to “rejuvenate the space.” The outlet notes that the two intend to reopen Bar Saeso later in April, giving fans a relatively short countdown before the lights come back on.
Big Chill Team Takes The Reins
Wheatley and Wallis operate Big Chill, a neighborhood bar on Hamilton Avenue known for its small-scale, community-focused vibe and an ice-cream window, as covered by CityBeat. Their experience running a hands-on neighborhood spot suggests Saeso is more likely to see subtle operational tweaks than a total personality transplant, with the cocktail-first identity expected to stick around.
Saeso’s Local Roots
Bar Saeso was opened by Michael Guilfoil and Christy Wulfson and earned praise for its European-leaning interior and intimate layout, as detailed by WCPO. The transfer keeps the bar in local hands instead of turning the corner spot over to a national operator, a detail many regulars are likely relieved to see.
Details on hours, any menu changes, or staffing remain scarce, and Local 12 reports the new owners have not released a full plan beyond the April reopening timeline. Anyone eager to be first in the door would be smart to keep an eye on Bar Saeso’s Facebook and Instagram accounts for reopening announcements and specifics from Wheatley and Wallis.
