PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

As Jack Welsh gives me a tour of Butler Street Derby, a restaurant, bar and performance space opening this fall in Lawrenceville, I spy a dusty pig statue in a corner of the basement.

It’s the only relic left from Hambone’s, a beloved pub that occupied the building for three decades. It permanently shut down in 2020, shortly after the death of owner Jeff Holt.

Welsh, who runs LumberjAxes, an ax-throwing facility in Millvale, and his business partners tried to salvage Hambone’s iconic neon sign, but it broke. They will, however, try to carry on the legacy of the institution through live comedy and musical acts.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

After two years of renovations, the doors are slated to open again this fall. Longtime patrons of 4207 Butler St. won’t recognize the place.

In addition to the installation of a new kitchen and restroom facilities, the wall dividing the bar and dining room was demolished to make way for an enormous bar surrounded by booth seating. Customers can go hog wild on various types of fries as well as smash burgers and other pub fare.

Several apartments were removed to create a large bar area and performance space with cathedral ceilings on the second floor. During shows, audience members won’t have to leave their seats to order a drink, they will scan a QR codes and a server will run it out to them. The third floor mezzanine will house the Derby’s offices and a private event space.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

A house located behind the building was torn down to build a walled-in patio with its own full-service bar. During my visit, artist Rachel Goodman was busy putting the finishing touches on a plant-themed mural.

The Derby will partner with WDVE to produce a monthly comedy show and eventually bring back Hambone’s popular board-game night. And what about the dusty pig statue in the basement?

Welsh, who’s faced many unexpected construction projects and costs since closing on the old building on Halloween 2022, smiles and says, “We’re afraid to get rid of it.”