Three and a half years after going quiet, the iconic taproom that once defined Ormond’s dining scene has been “resuscitated” — now closer than ever to its grand opening.
Billy’s Tap Room & Grill, located at 58 E. Granada Blvd., has its sights set on a mid-April reopening, according to local developer Bill Jones, who purchased the landmark restaurant in 2022 after then-owners Doug and Lillian Rand announced their retirement.
“It took a little bit of time for me to say, ‘OK I’m gonna do this’ … . But the feeling is that it’s an iconic place, and it’s one of the last places, I believe, that represents Ormond Beach in any way, shape or form,” Jones said. “I’m not trying to be a hero, but I felt like if I didn’t do it, what would happen to it?”
Established in 1922, the historic taproom has changed hands only five times in a century — a rarity that Jones said made stepping into its next chapter both an honor and a high-stakes responsibility.
“When you take on an iconic piece of property that everybody in this town has had an experience with — whether they were in diapers or they were 80 years old — they are expecting a certain thing,” Jones said. “And I’m trying to deliver that, but I have had to change some things … So, I hope they go in there and they’re blown away and not because it’s brand spankin’ new and shiny like a new penny; it’s just lovingly restored.”
With anticipation running high, the reimagined space remains under wraps — no new photos, no sneak peaks — as Jones opts to save the reveal for opening day.
Reviving Billy’s Tap Room in Ormond Beach
With the building’s age came a sweeping restoration effort for Jones, from reworking outdated electrical systems — still fitted with the original silk wiring — to the replacement of corroded cast iron plumbing that forced a full floor overhaul.
In addition to a new HVAC system, the restaurant’s termite-ridden bar also required a full rebuild — Jones noting that every update was intentional, backed by a deep understanding of the space and a desire to preserve its original charm.
“I had a contractor that told me, ‘Bill, it would be so much easier to just knock this down and recreate it,’ and I said ‘But then you lose all the ghosts; you lose all the soul and the spirit of the building’ … . I just think we’ve forgotten way too many things of the past, and we don’t respect them or admire them like we used to,” Jones said. “… So, I did an awful lot of homework and research and found as many old pictures of the interior of Billy’s that I could possibly find — and also utilized a little creative license.”
Though its roots remain intact — from its familiar booths to its signature black-brown color scheme — thoughtful additions like the installment of Bevolo gas lanterns, evocative of New Orleans’ French Quarter, gently usher the restaurant into its new era.
Three years in and it’s clear, if anyone was equipped to take on the job, it was Jones, whose portfolio includes downtown Ormond’s most visually striking establishments, from Rose Villa to 31 Supper Club and Alexander’s Prime.
“Other (restaurants) didn’t make me nervous. But this one — it’s kind of like, ‘OK Bill, we’re giving you the White House to restore or the Lincoln Monument,’ you know? … That’s why I’ve been really meticulous with it,” Jones said. “I just really hope everyone is happy with it.”
The restaurant will be run by Alexander’s own Joe Oliva, described as “one of the most incredible restaurateurs and individuals” Jones has ever come across, making him a natural fit for the position.
“When I first came down, before I even signed the lease at Alexander’s, I saw all of (Jones’) properties and I was very intrigued when I saw Billy’s … So, when Bill asked me, I was shocked at first and then I was just thrilled to say yes,” Oliva said. “To get two of the most iconic restaurants on this Ormond strip in two years — I feel very lucky.”
More to come at Billy’s Tap Room
Described as “more than a pub, but not quite a fine dining steakhouse,” Billy’s reopening will bring with it the comfort foods customers have long craved with the same caliber of quality they’ve come to expect at Alexander’s, Oliva explained.
“It’s been a long time since (Billy’s) menu has changed, and I was very lucky to get a copy of the original menus. I have menus from 30-40 years ago as well, and I have some of the original recipes,” Oliva said, noting plans to serve a more “current” selection that still pays homage to what the taproom was known for — from grouper and crabcakes to prime rib nights and, yes, the relish tray.
At least eight new beer lines have been added to the new bar, where Oliva says he also plans to expand the bourbon selection.
“We’re at the point right now where the tables and chairs are in, the drapes are in the windows, and we’re just trying to finish up the staffing,” Oliva said, planning to create roughly 30 jobs.
“… I think when people come in and see it, it’s got that real classic feel of a 1920s-1940s, saloon, bar and grill. The older generation, they might notice a few new touches here and there, but the walls, the things that were there — (Jones) saved as much of the antiques and of the original space as he could. He just put his polish on it.”
For information, visit billystaproom.com.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Billy’s Tap Room is reopening in Ormond Beach. Here’s what we know
Reporting by Helena Perray, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
