Who Will Lead The Revival?

The Purple Pub, a Williamstown gathering place for generations is selecting a qualified owner/operator to steward its next incarnation—and take it to new heights.

Apply to Operate The Purple Pub

65 Spring Street

Why this matters

A proven name

Operate under The Purple Pub name with established recognition—then elevate execution, service, and consistency.

A flagship community venue

A place where locals and the Williams community belong.

A new era

A commitment to raise the operating standard—team, service, and compliance—while delivering flawless peak-weekend execution.

History

For more than 50 years, The Purple Pub has been part of Williamstown's fabric—an off-campus gathering place where locals and the Williams College community have met over food and drink. It is familiar, approachable, and woven into countless memories across generations.

Following the passing of the most recent operator in late 2025, operations paused. Demand for the Pub's return remains strong. Williamstown Rentals holds the brand rights and is accepting applications from experienced operators ready to reopen and elevate the business for the long term.

"Williamstown without the Purple Pub is like a flagpole without a flag. It's not Williamstown if the Purple Pub is not open."

— Former Town Manager Peter Fohlin

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to relaunch a recognized Williamstown pub brand in a prime Spring Street location. We are selecting an operator who can preserve what makes the Pub recognizable while executing a modern, durable food-and-beverage business.

What "new heights" means here

A consistently excellent operation year-round
A best-in-class guest experience for locals and the Williams community
The ability to perform flawlessly during peak weekends and high-volume nights
A stable, well-trained team with disciplined operating controls
Strong compliance and responsible service as a non-negotiable standard
A business that is stronger five and ten years from now than on opening day

Who should apply

We are looking for an operator with the experience and resources to steward The Purple Pub into its next decade—protecting what people recognize while elevating execution.

Demonstrated hospitality operating experience (ideally high-volume and/or late-night)
Capital and leadership to recruit, train, and retain a strong team
A credible liquor license and compliance plan
A practical plan to refresh the premises, including interior improvements and/or FF&E
The temperament to serve both locals and the Williams community with consistency

What the application asks for (5–10 minutes):

Your background and operating experience
What The Purple Pub means to you
Relaunch vision and first 90-day priorities
Menu and pricing approach + proposed hours
High-level refresh plan + capital estimate
Funding approach and timeline to open

Finalists will be asked for additional detail.

Process

Apply online

Complete the owner/operator application.

Qualification & next steps

Qualified applicants will be invited to an interview.

Finalist selection

Finalists provide deeper diligence; operator is selected and documentation proceeds.

Apply Now

Apply

Apply to operate The Purple Pub

Apply to operate The Purple Pub at 65 Spring Street. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until an operator is selected.

Start Application

You will be directed to a short online application.

FAQ

No. We are selecting an operator/lessee to relaunch and operate The Purple Pub at 65 Spring Street.

No. Williamstown Rentals holds the brand rights; the selected operator will operate under an agreed structure.

You need a credible plan to secure and operate under the appropriate licensing and compliance standards.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until an operator is selected.