The main bar at Braveheart features dark wood paneling and upholstered barstools reminiscent of pubs in Scotland. (Contributed photo)

A popular restaurant and bar in downtown Hellertown has been listed for sale, but its owner says he is in no rush to bid farewell, and will only sell to someone who plans to maintain the business’s high standards.

Braveheart Highland Pub owner Andy Lee announced his decision to retire and sell the business he owns at 430 Main Street in a Facebook post Tuesday.

“It’s time for a new chapter in my life and frankly I’m looking to simplify life going forward,” he said. “Braveheart is going strong. We have a great staff. We have great customers and I will not sell Braveheart to someone that wants to change the operation or what it stands for.”

Since opening in 2007, Braveheart has become a well-known dining destination locally, also drawing patrons for events like its popular weekly trivia nights. Modeled after an authentic Scottish pub, the restaurant’s cozy ambience pays homage to Lee’s family’s heritage. Its menu features favorites from across the pond, including fish and chips, bangers and mash, and sticky toffee pudding, as well as American fare, and its extensive drink list pays tribute to the birthplace of whisky. The building–which dates from the early 1900s and was once a hotel–was in a dilapidated state when Lee purchased it nearly 20 years ago. He subsequently gutted and renovated the structure, which is also home to a lower level pub used for private functions.

Lee said he decided to begin a new chapter in his life as he prepares to turn 62, with plans to spend more time with his family and at a vacation home in New England.

“There’s no rush on this from my standpoint and I will be very selective on who/if anyone I move forward with down the path of selling it,” he said.

Braveheart is listed for $3.8 million; a price which includes the business, its liquor license and the property.

“The upper floors provide diversified income streams, including a recently renovated luxury two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment on the second floor and four existing room rentals on the third floor,” the MLS listing by broker Justin Kline, of Hellertown’s House & Land Real Estate, notes. “Together, the property presents a unique opportunity to acquire a turnkey hospitality business supported by multiple revenue components within a fully restored and thoughtfully utilized building.”

Another valuable asset the business possesses is its large parking lot, which is a rare amenity in downtown Hellertown.

The restaurant also boasts a covered deck equipped with a large-screen television, which was added several years ago.

A covered deck attached to the side of the building is useable by Braveheart guests much of the year. In the warmer months, patrons can also dine al fresco at tables in front of the building. (Contributed photo)

Kline–who once worked at Braveheart–said its value transcends the raw data contained in the listing. That value, he said, is reflected in its experienced staff, many of whom have worked at the pub for a decade or longer. Among the longest-serving staff members is general manager Erik Sheetz, who joined the Braveheart team several years after the business opened.

“They run a great place,” said Kline. “People love to work here.”

“People care deeply about this place. You don’t see that a lot with commercial real estate,” he added.

Kline said he has already booked showings for the property, and has received a number of calls from interested parties.

To contact him, call 267-730-3234, email Justin@HouseandLandRealEstate.com or visit the House & Land website.