TYRONE — Some major changes are coming to a Tyrone landmark.

Elevation Holding LLC — comprised of brothers John and Will Russell and their parents Dave and Melissa Russell — have signed an agreement to purchase the Bull Pen Restaurant from longtime owner Harry Sickler.

Sickler has owned the restaurant since 1971 when he bought the JoMar Restaurant from Joe Zang and changed the name to the Bull Pen.

“I am 88 years old; it was time,” said Sickler, who will continue to own the building that houses the restaurant.

Sickler said John Russell, CEO of EMG Brands, approached him “some time ago” about purchasing the Bull Pen.

“We had several people look at it. John reminds me of myself when I came back to town in 1958 and was interested in the community and did all that I could. He is doing the same thing. We are very supportive of John. John felt the Bull Pen should be in Tyrone forever and ever,” Sickler said.

Melissa Russell, who will serve as Bull Pen manager, said the Russell family wants to continue Sickler’s vision to offer a community gathering place in Tyrone where people can get together to meet friends and to celebrate important occasions.

“Over the years, the Bull Pen has been known as the place for many school and community functions. EMG Brands’ vision for Tyrone is to build and develop businesses that attract people to Tyrone to live and to work. The Bull Pen is a perfect fit for our Tyrone vision,” Melissa Russell said.

The Bull Pen will be closed beginning Monday for renovation work.

“The renovations will take place in stages over the next five weeks. Re­novations of the restaurant/bar area will begin on Monday with the restaurant opening planned for Aug. 3. From Aug. 3 to 16 the banquet room will be renovated. The grand opening festivities are planned for

Aug. 17,” Melissa Russell said.

Renovations will include updates to the kitchen as well as some renovations to the bar and dining areas.

Melissa Russell is excited about the new menu.

“The menu will include sandwiches, appetizers, salads, soups and entrees such as Grade A steaks, salmon and crabcakes. Weekly specials will include our well-know barbecue items cooked on our outdoor grill, which will include pulled pork, ribs, brisket and chicken halves,” Melissa Russell said.

The Bull Pen will be offering call-ahead service with curb side pick up, lunch delivery to local businesses and schools and call-ahead delivery for party or picnic packs.

The party room will be available for events and monthly music nights featuring local bands are planned.

The Bull Pen will also have a small bakery area.

“We have been operating a home bakery that we will expand our offerings to the Bull Pen. We will feature weekly cheesecakes, specialty cupcakes, as well as special order items,” Melissa Russell said.

The Bull Pen is a perfect addition for Dave and Melissa, who have operated a catering business for the last ten years.

“We have catered weddings, family picnics, corporate events and school functions. This gives us the opportunity to grow our business to include the restaurant business. The Bull Pen is the perfect place to expand our business,” Melissa Russell said.

The Russells have found a new location for Sickler’s large collection of sports memorabilia — the Tyrone Youth Athletic Association building in downtown Tyrone.

EMG Brands owns and supports a wide range of business with its 362 employees, including Wire­less Zone, Portfolio Salon, Green Home Solutions True Enviro and Elite Group Property Inspections. Over the last six months, EMG Brands has added an average of eight jobs per month to its Tyrone headquarters, taking the total jobs created since moving to Tyrone to 75. EMG Brands expects the hiring trend to continue in the area.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 946-7467.