HOLLYWOOD, Md. — Toot’s Bar is back open after renovations, bringing a refreshed space and renewed energy to one of Southern Maryland’s longtime gathering spots.
After taking over the bar in December, new owners Greg Reynolds and Timothy Quade began updating the space with the goal of keeping Toot’s familiar character while making it brighter and more comfortable for guests.
Inside, visitors will notice new flooring, improved lighting and a refreshed interior, giving the bar a cleaner and more welcoming feel while still keeping the laid-back atmosphere locals know.
Some things haven’t changed at all. Outside, the iconic Toot’s clock still hangs, continuing to mark time for visitors arriving at the longtime neighborhood bar.
Although Toot’s has already reopened and welcomed guests back, the owners will officially celebrate the next chapter with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, April 3, 2026, at 5 p.m.
From there, the evening will turn into a country night celebration with a fish fry and live music.
La Plata native Joe Cox will perform shortly after the ribbon cutting, helping kick off the night’s entertainment. Reynolds said he wanted Cox to be part of the celebration because he enjoys supporting local musicians and believes the young artist represents the next wave of talent coming out of Southern Maryland.
“In my opinion, he’s the next big thing to come out of this area — kind of like Sam Grow,” Reynolds said. “We’ve had some great country talent come out of Southern Maryland, and I think Joe could be the next one.”
Cox, a La Plata High School graduate and University of Maryland student, has been building a following across the region while balancing college and his growing music career. He recently released his debut single and music video, “Fate,” and often returns home on weekends to perform at venues across Southern Maryland.
Later in the evening, recording artist Paul Minnich will take the stage at 7 p.m., bringing acoustic country music and classic favorites to keep the night going.
For many locals, Toot’s has long been the kind of place where people meet friends, hear live music and end up staying longer than planned. The new owners say they hope the refreshed space continues that tradition while creating new opportunities for community gatherings and local musicians.
Another important piece of Toot’s history also remains — the memorial wall along the back fence, which honors members of the community who were part of the bar’s story over the years.
Looking ahead, the bar’s monthly calendar already shows plenty of ways to keep the fun going, including beer pong tournaments, karaoke nights, themed events and live bands, with live music planned every weekend.
Locals are invited to stop by, see the renovations and enjoy the atmosphere as Toot’s continues its story in Southern Maryland. Reynolds and Quade say they hope residents will continue to help shape that story — just as they have since 1947.
Toot’s Bar
23971 Mervell Dean Road
Hollywood, MD 20636
Learn more about Joe Cox and see where he’s playing next at joebcox.com. Fans can follow him @JoeCox on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram or connect via his official Linktree account.
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