Downtown Parker’s most prominent watering hole will undergo some changes, courtesy of its new owner.

John Jordan finalized an agreement March 1 to reacquire the business he founded in 2002: the Tailgate Tavern & Grill at 19552 E. Mainstreet. He sold the bar in 2005 to spend time with his young kids, but decided to return now that the kids have become independent high school and college students.

Jordan is enthusiastic in returning to his old haunt, which is known for its live music on weekends and boisterous karaoke contests.

He is announcing plans to spruce up the Tailgate - as it's known locally - from the inside out. He wants to repaint the exterior, install new carpeting, revamp the menu by bringing back old favorites, and expand the outdoor patio with the town’s approval.

Longtime customers are glad to see a familiar face back behind the counter.

“From the first day last Thursday, we’ve had hundreds of people coming in and welcoming me back,” Jordan said. “Parker is home. I know a lot of people here.”

The Tailgate enables Parker residents to avoid going to downtown Denver. It is largely known as a friendly place to have a drink, but has gained a reputation in recent years for a “few trouble spots.”

“We’re trying to clean that up,” he said. “We don’t put up with people getting in fights.”

After Jordan once again settles into his role as owner, he plans to tap into the constantly improving Mainstreet corridor and reach out to town officials to establish a partnership. He plans to discuss potentially sponsoring programming at the Parker Arts, Culture and Events Center or scheduling pre-show dinners at the Tailgate.

Jordan, who purchased a bar called the Bullpen in 2002 and remodeled it to the Tailgate’s current state, will also consider adding to his list of microbrews on tap by looking at products made by local breweries.