Longtime Owners Saying Farewell to Harmony Inn

After close to three decades in business together, Carl Beers and Gary Barnes are saying farewell to the Historic Harmony Inn.

“After almost 30 years, it’s about time,” joked Beers, who recently celebrated his 68th birthday.

That doesn’t mean the landmark restaurant on Mercer Street is closing.

New owners are in the process of buying the Harmony Inn. Barnes said he could not reveal yet who the owners are until the liquor license transfer and other paperwork is complete.

The restaurant closed temporarily Monday.

Beers said he believes the new owners, who used to work at the restaurant, will keep the Harmony Inn name. 

Beers added he’d miss some aspects of the restaurant business, including the staff and patrons, but not the upkeep of the more than 150-year-old building.

“The people, but not the day-to-day problems,” he said of what he’ll miss most.

Beers said when he and Barnes, who attended Slippery Rock University together, purchased the Harmony Inn in 1985, the building had fallen into disrepair—and had a bit of reputation as a rough and tumble hangout.

“We had to work to turn it around,” he said.

Over time, the restaurant, which is rumored to be haunted, became known as a gathering spot in the community.

Barnes and Beers noted residents in the Harmony area were relieved to learn the restaurant was not closing for good, particularly after well-known Kaufman House in Zelienople shut its doors after a fire two years ago.

“Everyone was concerned,” Beers said. “Where else was everyone going to meet up at?”

The owners noted the restaurant's summer concert series will continued as scheduled.