Blackhorse Pub and Brewery has closed its downtown Knoxville location.

Originally started in Clarksville in 1992, Blackhorse later expanded with a Knoxville location in Bearden. It moved to 430 S. Gay St. in fall 2018.

Blackhorse Knoxville announced on its Facebook page the pub served its last drinks to staff on Sunday.

"We have a lot of great memories in downtown Knoxville made with great staff and customers," the Facebook post read. "Downtown after UT beat Alabama this year was special. The Pride parade before Covid (sic). Those nights when the Tennessee, Bijou and Civic Auditorium all have events."

The post revealed part of the reason for the closure. The post said the "building got new ownership a few months ago who are looking to take it in a different direction," and that it was the same group developing next door: the Ephant Group owned by HD Patel.

The Ephant Group purchased the Hope Brothers Building at 428 S. Gay St. in May 2021 for $4.2 million, according to Knoxville's Geographic Information System. The Ephant Group intends to open the boutique Hotel Cleo and a new bar from the owners of Brother Wolf after the closure of Sapphire, their original bar in the building.

However, the Ephant Group did not purchase the 430 S. Gay St. building outright. According to KGIS, the Industrial Development Board of the City of Knoxville still owns the building after its initial purchase in April 2014.

Records acquired by Knox News indicate that the Ephant Group has been leasing the building from the Industrial Development Board since Dec. 29, 2021. The Ephant Group also took out a loan for $3.48 million for the lease.

What will happen to the pub location?

Blackhorse still has a location open in Alcoa, but the downtown Knoxville location only has some vague hints as to what it will become.

The post on Blackhorse's Facebook said it "sold our operation to Kennedy Concepts who will be doing a remodel and opening a new concept there."

Kennedy Concepts has worked with the Ephant Group before with the purchase of Café 4 in Dec. 2021. Kennedy Concepts is owned by Chad Kennedy, and it operates Puckers Sports Grill and Loco Burro.

Both the Ephant Group and Chad Kennedy had not responded to a request for comment on this new concept as of Monday morning.

Keenan Thomas reports for the Knox News business growth and development coverage team. You can reach him by email at [email protected]. Support strong local journalism and unlock premium perks at knoxnew.com/subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Blackhorse Pub and Brewery closes downtown Knoxville location