Sly Horse Closes, New Restaurant on the Way

By D. Frank Smith and Tim Lemke

The Sly Horse Tavern in Crofton has closed its doors and will make way for a new restaurant from the owners of The Point Crabhouse in Arnold. 

The closing of the Sly Horse Tavern marks the end of an era for Crofton residents, as the bar and restaurant has been a destination for neighbors for 28 years. But new owners are coming to town, and plan to renovate the spot into another cozy tavern.

Bobby Jones and his partner Michael Neall, owners of The Point Crabhouse and Grill in Arnold, are branching out to the former saloon, and said they are excited about the opportunity it presents.

"The new place will have a warm and cozy Tavern/Public House feel and stay within the Village Greens (Williamsburg-like) design where it is located," Jones said in an email to Patch. "We hope it will be a place where friends and family can come and enjoy each others company while having some amazing food and drinks."

The Sly Horse Tavern was a well-regarded eatery in the area for decades, but owner Don Day Ermand faced increasing competition from new restaurants in the Crofton-Gambrills corridor. The new restaurant must find a way to distinguish itself from the numerous eateries added to the new Waugh Chapel Towne Centre and elsewhere along Route 3. 

Judging by Jones' description of their plans, the atmopshere of the restaurant could have a lot in common with The Point in Arnold, which was also pitched as a cozy, neighborhood restaurant.

Jones complemented the site's outdoor patio and said he was excited about the chance to have dining on two floors.

Throughout the business of expanding to a new restaurant, Jones said he would maintain his roles at The Point as chef and general manager, but would be promoting select staff to the new restaurant.

"I will absolutely still be at The Point," Jones said.