The Clubhouse, the beloved longtime restaurant and sports bar in Richland, soon will be under new ownership.

While his status as sole owner is new, Mark Baranowski is not new to the Clubhouse. He and Greg Maggio founded the Clubhouse in 1995 after the two had previously established the North Park Lounge in McCandless. Baranowski still owns the Lounge as well as Shooters Golf, among other local businesses.

Baranowski later left the Clubhouse, and Maggio died in 2005. Maggio’s wife, Debbie, took over operations and kept the popular restaurant running for 19 years.

Though she said she is “really struggling” with the idea of leaving, Maggio, 69, said she thinks she made the right decision.

“I just feel like I’ve given it all I’ve got,” Maggio said.

On Feb. 1, the Clubhouse will close its doors for several days of renovations, but Baranowski said he anticipates reopening on Feb. 11.

As for his version of the Clubhouse — which he plans to call the North Park Lounge Richland — Baranowski said he has some changes in mind.

He plans to turn the current dining area into a banquet space called Hilltop Banquet and Events Center, while the Clubhouse’s large bar area will serve as the primary dining space, he said.

In the rear of the 16,000-square-foot building, he said he plans to install a Full Swing Golf Simulator, which also can simulate other sports such as soccer or baseball. That is all in addition to some wall and floor renovations, he said.

Though the Clubhouse is normally closed on Mondays, Baranowski said come springtime he hopes the restaurant will be open seven days a week. He said he also hopes to venture into catering for outside events once things are up and running.

Around the holidays, Baranowski said he plans to turn the space into an enormous “Christmas bar,” completely decked out in lights and decorations.

The new owner said he “couldn’t be more excited” to take over, and he is “so proud” for the way Maggio kept the business going.

Maggio said she was not willing to walk away from her employees, all of whom Baranowski has guaranteed jobs at his future lounge.

Marilyn McFadden started working as a bartender at the Clubhouse in 1995. She said she is “thrilled” by the changes, though she said she will miss Maggio, who she described as her best friend.

Now the general manager, McFadden said the Clubhouse employees are “nervous” but “excited” for the change in ownership.

“I think it’s going to be nothing but a huge success for (Baranowski) and his organization,” McFadden said. “I’m very much looking forward to it.”

In her retirement, Maggio said she plans to spend time in Florida and with family.

“I’d rather be on the beach and be with my grandson at this point in my life,” she said.

In her nearly two decades in charge, Maggio said she is proud that she “made the Clubhouse hers,” saying she “surprised herself” by staying in the business as long as she did.

But she said she is glad she could “pass the torch” to Baranowski.

“I know Mark will do the place well. As much as it’s going to be hard (to leave), I’m sure he’s going to make it a thriving establishment,” Maggio said.