If all goes according to plan, a staple in the City of Antioch will be reopened as construction on Mac’s Old House is underway.
In April, Mac’s Old House announced it would be closing June 22 after Gary and Rick had been running the place for 42 years. The building was sold and much of its future was up in the air.
However, Joe Martinez and Ron Harrison bought the property and are currently renovating the building to bring the building up to code, while upgrading portions of the property – such as the dining area and restrooms.
Martinez called Mac’s Old House a legacy of Antioch with a lot of history – they would honor the legacy by keeping the soup the same, keep the same bread, same menu.
“The day that it closed I started working on it the next day because I used to come here as a family. I loved the food, I loved the people and I thought it had a good a vibe. With kids and grandchildren, I could keep the legacy going for hopefully another 40-years,” explained Martinez. “The soup and the bread was always my favorite, I’ve traveled extensively and I’ll tell you what, it’s the best soup I’ve had. The soup is number one anywhere.”
He shared they will keep the same menu, same soup, same bread company and the chef is going to come train everyone to honor the legacy.
Martinez addressed some of the rumors online as silly and suggested when they reopen, just come try the place and give it a chance.
“I’ve been investing in Antioch for 20-years including downtown, I think Antioch is a good blue-collar community and I think we keep something like this restored and going hopefully it will bring more people in and rise up,” said Martinez.
The building was originally built in 1908 for $1,500 and Mac’s bought it in 1952 and opened the bar. He called it a lot of work and investment but said it’s a 116-year-old building so it was expected. His goal is to bring it back to glory and will last another 116 years.
The opening date, without any delays, opening up June 23, 2026.
“Come back in June, give it a shot and see what you think,” said Martinez.