Muckeye’s Pizzeria and Guitar Bar Opening in New Port Richey

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — Muckeye's Pizzeria and Guitar Bar, a new pizzeria and guitar-focused listening room from Mark George and his son Stephen George, is nearing completion at 5308 Lemon St, New Port Richey, FL 34652, George told Business Debut.

After a full ground-up buildout begun in 2021, the team is targeting a late January 2026 opening, pending final equipment installation and inspections.

What to Expect

The concept combines a full restaurant with a dedicated songwriter venue modeled after intimate Nashville venues. Inside, the primary dining space will seat around 25 guests for regular service, with the layout reconfigured for songwriter “rounds” to accommodate roughly twice that number when needed.

A large outdoor area will support additional seating and occasional events a few times a year. Guests who prefer a more conversational atmosphere will be able to dine and socialize outside while performances are underway inside.

During songwriter sets, the interior will operate as a true listening room, with guests asked to hold conversations until between songs or after the set. “This is a place to come and really listen to original songwriters,” George told Business Debut.

Menu and Vision

On the food side, Muckeye’s centers on Old Forge-style pizza, a regional specialty from the coal regions of northeastern Pennsylvania. George’s grandfather and other family members were coal miners in that area, and the Muckeye’s name pays tribute to his grandfather’s nickname and the family’s roots.

The kitchen will serve homemade Old Forge-style pies made from scratch, along with gourmet pizza variations and Texas Wiener–style hot dogs topped with a tangy, regional chili sauce. The team is planning a chef-driven menu and aims to distinguish the food program from typical bar fare while remaining approachable.

Beer and wine will be served as well.

Nashville-Style Guitar Bar

The guitar bar side of Muckeye’s is designed as a songwriter-first venue inspired by places like the Bluebird Cafe and other Nashville listening rooms. Regular programming will include Nashville-style “writer’s rounds,” with three or four musicians sharing the stage, explaining how their songs were written, and performing original material.

Muckeye’s is also working with a neighboring recording studio, Monster Music, and Nashville-based collaborators so that, on select nights, songwriters may perform in front of visiting music industry professionals. Some writers whose songs are selected will be able to record their work next door for potential submission to Nashville contacts.

The stage will be open to original songwriters and artists. “This is for songwriters and artists who rarely have a place to be heard,” George said.

Opening Timeline

Muckeye’s is targeting a late January 2026 opening, with the exact date to be announced.

Hours

Current plans call for opening daily around late morning, with service running approximately 11 a.m. — 9 p.m. on most days and potentially later on Saturdays, George told Business Debut. The team expects to feature songwriter performances frequently throughout operating hours. Exact hours and live music schedules are to be announced.

Follow for More

Website: Visit muckeyes.com

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