Images: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
(Left to Right) Nick Felger, Zach Felger, Eric Kissinger (Owner), Beth Henry, Wesly Klotz
October 25th, 2024
PRESS RELEASE:
Historic Green Frog Inn Reopens Honoring Fort Wayne's Legacy
Fort Wayne, IN — The Green Frog Inn, a beloved Fort Wayne pub, has been part of the tight-knit Bloomingdale neighborhood for almost a century. With new ownership, the pub is reopening with a refreshed interior and a renewed enthusiasm for the local community. Established in 1933 at the corner of Sherman Boulevard and Spring Street, The Green Frog Inn has long served as a gathering place for locals, nestled in the heart of Fort Wayne's German Catholic community.
The Green Frog was owned and lovingly operated for decades by the late Cindy Henry, wife of Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. Cindy passed away in January 2024, followed by Mayor Henry in March of the same year. Before their passing, the Henry’s sold the bar to a New York couple who briefly owned the establishment before offering it for sale once again. When Eric Kissinger learned of the opportunity to restore this piece of the city's history, he immediately seized the chance to bring The Green Frog back to its roots.
"I love Fort Wayne and am excited to bring our local watering hole back to our community.
It’s been an amazing opportunity to carry this tradition forward from its founding in 1933. Our community owes a lot to the Henry family’s vision and dedication," says Kissinger.
Kissinger's passion for Fort Wayne's sports and brewing history is evident in the pub's decor. "Did you know the first-ever Major League Baseball game was played right here in Fort Wayne?" Kissinger shares. On May 4th, 1871, the Cleveland Forest Cities faced off against the Fort Wayne Kekiongas. "We've also got the Daisies!" Kissinger beams. The Fort Wayne Daisies, the city's legendary women's professional baseball team, dominated the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
Kissinger loves Fort Wayne and is delighted to share about its local brewing history. Among other breweries, the Old Crown Brewing Corporation, founded in 1862, and the Berghoff Brewery, established in 1887, were two notable national beers. Fort Wayne’s local beer and sports history is proudly displayed on the walls of the neighborhood sports pub.
“It has been a while since I have seen someone love the Frog, the history of the Frog and the neighborhood as much as my mom did.
The Frog was her heart and soul and I am forever grateful to everyone that has given their time and effort into making us proud of it again.
Cindy's laugh definitely still echoes in the walls, I know she is smiling down and forever grateful as well,” said Beth Henry daughter of Cindy and Tom Henry.
The Green Frog Inn's new menu features everything from classic pub burgers to the iconic frog legs, a house favorite. Guests can also enjoy local ales brewed in-house and specialty frog-themed cocktails crafted just for the reopening. The refreshed interior boasts a updated kitchen, new taps, a restored original bar, and new branding, blending modern amenities with vintage charm.
This 21-and-up neighborhood pub officially opened its doors on Friday, October 25th, inviting the community to step back into a piece of Fort Wayne's history while enjoying a cold drink and a good time.
Eat, drink, and be Hoppy!
For more information, please visit www.greenfroginn.com or call (260) 420-FROG.
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