Who among us has been able to stand walking past 417 Texas Street these past few months? I cannot be the only one who yearns for an omnivore pizza, the dimly lit corners to fall into with a glass of scotch, or an evening spent listening to local tunes drowned in Schlitz from a personalized mug.

The wait will be over shortly, as the Noble Savage Tavern will reopen its doors, with Easy Money (pictured) playing the first set on the cleaned-up stage (not pictured). The optimistic and highly approachable new owner Eric Johnson anticipates the inspections, paperwork, and legalities will be completed by the second week in December at the latest. Johnson has been serving and managing the bar-slash-“ritzy”-restaurant for years.

“Come on down when we open!” he says enthusiastically.

A new coat of paint will be one of the few, small, changes made to our beloved downtown joint. Look for the same menu, “with a twist,” and the bands we all know and love (Johnson is honoring all of next year’s bookings). And just who will be plating these ritzy dinners in a laid back atmosphere? Chef Dave learned from Chef Colby for years, and has been classically trained; you will again find your favorite tavern food with the addition of his inspired dishes. Nachos, burgers, and libations will be served by beloved, familiar faces. Johnson, bartender and manager Lee Slack, and magician-slash-stuntman Peter Fetterman are among a cast of talented, conditionally pleasant Savage veterans whose ears will be open to feedback. Yes, you read that correctly. The new management is willing to hear both positive and negative criticism of the Savage.

“Two heads are better than one,” Johnson said with a laugh. “We will take feedback from customers, but we might not do anything about it!”

Patrons had previously found Chef Colby unapproachable. “People can relax,” said Johnson. “[Chef Colby] wasn’t a people person… he just wanted a place where he could come hang out and drink scotch… smoke cigars. You know, like on ‘Cheers,’” referring to the classic television show featuring a bar “where everybody knows your name” (Portnoy & Angelo). Everyone will remember your name at the Savage, especially if you can beat them to the bottom of an Irish car bomb.

Shreveport gets its Christmas wish for this downtown dive that serves up class with a side of slaw. The Noble Savage Tavern has a new owner, spiffy bathrooms that are no longer an eyesore, and that warm cigar haze. Just the way we like it! Na Zdorovie!