Kettering bar sold as owner takes on new opportunity

Credit: Justin Sullivan

Credit: Justin Sullivan

A bar on Smithville Road in Kettering has been sold.

The owner of Mugshots Bar at 2431 S. Smithville Rd. in Kettering was showered with well wishes and praise upon her recent Facebook announcement that she had sold the business.

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Christina Koogler opened the diminutive bar in August of 2012, which went on to build a loyal customer base over the last few years.

Koogler’s emotional announcement said in part, “I’ve been blessed with another business opportunity that I couldn’t turn away from.”

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She told this news organization she learned about the opportunity roughly a year after opening Mugshots and began to research the possibility. Though not ready to divulge the details, Koogler said, “I am going to a better opportunity, but it will be a restaurant project in the Dayton area. This year it’s all coming to fruition. It’s finally time.”

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Sunbelt Business Advisors of Southwest Ohio-Dayton announced Mugshots' availability Feb. 8, with the sale to new owner Carly Baxter being finalized earlier this month. Baxter is no stranger to the bar business, having previously served as a bartender at Clancy's Tavern in Riverside.

“This is really a positive situation,” Koogler said. “It’s great to know another woman will be taking over the business.”

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According to Koogler, Baxter intends to retain the bar’s name.

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Mugshots, which also offered fresh-made pizzas, has been a bar since the 1950s when it operated as Blair’s Lounge.

Koogler’s last day as owner will be marked with a celebration at the bar April 8th. Mugshots will then close briefly before reopening on April 11th.

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