There were a couple of key new business announcements last week, including new ownership of an old Bismarck favorite and the announcement of a new bar coming to town.

The Walrus officially changed hands on Monday, from owner and founder Randy Walz to longtime waitress and now sole proprietor Jill R. Sanford.

Sanford assured us that the menu favorites will stay, adding that there were a lot of rumors floating around about drastic changes that just aren't realistic.

For example, they will have specials and some vegan options, not an all-vegan menu, as the gossip goes. And they're keeping their famous happy hours and drink specials, but adding more choices and finally plugging in a much-needed beer and drinks menu.

Sanford said she approached Walz on Oct. 30 of last year and asked if was going to sell it to her, and he finally agreed. Since then, they've been working on the paperwork and the loans.

They've kept almost all of the staff and intend to bring music back, Sanford said. She added an executive chef with a flair for flavor and an assistant manager to round off a team of three women running the joint.

Across town, downtown, actually, the truly committed St. Patty's celebrators will be able to spend 2010's green holiday in a pub dedicated to the culture of that island. A group of three businessmen and their families are purchasing the empty side of the old Golden Dragon building to turn into an Irish Pub, a concept that has been floated around by many over the past few years.

The pub could be complete by this fall, said one of the owners, Jim Poolman. They secured the liquor license Wednesday, and will soon begin with a renovation of the space, to include dark woods and warm colors.

They'll also have a small kitchen, with plans to serve traditional Irish grub and the normal, U.S. bar foods.

Up north, The Lodge officially opened for business next to the Stadium.

The Lodge, located at 1247 W. Divide Ave., is a non-smoking, ski-lodge type sports bar, said Lisa Hixson. They'll play the traditional sports, with emphasis on extreme sports like Ultimate Fighting. They'll offer a menu, too, although the bar is more bar than restaurant.

The Lodge officially opened on Friday.

If you have any business tips, feel free to contact me.

(Reach reporter Crystal R. Reid at 250-8261 or at crystal.reid@bismarcktribune.com.)