Local Entrepreneurs Create One of the Hottest Destinations in Downtown Springfield

The Market Bar is the “Best Place for a Cocktail'' in Springfield, Ohio and a go-to destination for live entertainment. A love of music and gathering with friends inspired owners Andrew Lazear and Rod Hatfield to open The Market Bar in their hometown. “Rod and I were born and raised in Springfield. We both see the beauty in our city and share the love in doing our part to enrich our hometown's downtown redevelopment effort,” said Andrew.

And enrich it they have. The Market Bar is located in COhatch - a hub of activity in downtown Springfield. COhatch itself is a gathering place for dining, entertainment, work and events. Their live, work, play concept offers people everything they need to live vibrantly and stay connected in downtown Springfield. People can live and work in the same building for convenience, but it's The Market Bar, restaurants and events that make the space truly special. After all, not many people can enjoy a drink and live music on the main floor of their apartment building. 

The Market Bar is a quality venue for entertainment and cocktails in downtown Springfield and has been incredibly well-received. “We are Springfield's first craft cocktail bar of its kind, preparing fresh squeezed citrus and house made syrups for a thoughtful rotation of seasonal cocktail menus,” said Rod. In the last two years, The Greater Springfield Partnership has awarded The Market Bar the "Best Place for a Cocktail in Springfield” award. They also host and provide a full calendar of collaborative artistic entertainment several days a week. This includes live music of every sort, stand-up comedy events, DJ Karaoke dance parties and meaningful charitable events.

“We love it here and believe in giving something meaningful back to our community. Nothing would be possible in this location without the love and support of all our friends and family who believe in us,” said Andrew. Community support and partnerships were key to making the project work. “There was a great opportunity to work with COhatch to bring this idea to our downtown area,” said Rod. Andrew elaborated, “Rod and I are local and received a lot of community support, with COhatch and others embracing our idea for The Market Bar.” They encourage entrepreneurs to consider downtown Springfield for their next business location, where they will be sure to experience the community support that has helped their company to be so successful.

If you are an entrepreneur and would like to start a business in Greater Springfield, contact the Partnership. Our team is on hand to help you find a new location and walk you through the process of launching or expanding your company here.