Since 1974, Hole in the Wall has been an entertainment hub in the Live Music Capital of the World, with its storied history doubling as a launching pad for local musicians like Spoon, Shaky Graves, Bob Schneider, Black Joe Lewis and Gary Clark Jr. It’s a history that has featured its own pivots, with the business’ initial intention as a cheap, late night restaurant near the University of Texas at Austin reimagined into a central role in the Texas capital’s music scene. After threats of closure in both 2015 and 2023, the business cinched a 20-year lease alongside a $1.6 million grant from the City of Austin to continue its endeavors.
Now, two years after celebrating its 50th anniversary, it begins a new chapter as its current owner, Will Tanner, retires, KUT News reported on Wednesday, March 25. Mike Lavigne and Courtney Goforth, a local promoter and manager with previous ties to Hotel Vegas, will be taking over the bar, with Tanner staying on in a partner capacity, KUT confirmed.
“For this place to still be standing after all this time is a testament to how much people love it,” Lavigne told KUT. “We feel a great responsibility there, and it’s not something we take lightly. It’s a true honor to be a part of something that makes this city so freaking awesome.”
Hole in the Wall confirmed the impending changes on its Instagram page on Wednesday, sharing KUT’s story and adding: “Cheers to our new chapter!”
MySA reached out to Hole in the Wall for further comment on the ownership changes and any alterations to come to the business. We’ll update this story if we receive a response.