Changing Of The Guard: Towson Restaurant Comes Under New Ownership

The owners behind Barley's Backyard Uptown recently sold the Towson restaurant for an undisclosed amount.

By Gaby Arancibia, Patch Staff

Jul 8, 2026 2:27 pm EDT

Barley's Backyard Uptown is coming under new ownership in Towson. (Google Maps)

TOWSON, MD — After decades in the business, the owners behind Barley's Backyard Uptown restaurant have handed over the reins to a new successor.

The development, announced by The Restaurant Broker, surfaced Monday.

Jack McGinnis, the marketing and research director at the agency, told Patch on Wednesday that a search for new ownership had been underway for more than a year, and that the buyer came into the picture just four months ago.

Building On Barley's Foundation

No closures are planned for the restaurant.

McGinnis said the new owners signed onto a "long-term lease" but did not offer additional details on the matter due to confidentiality agreements.

Neither the names of the new owners nor the sale price were provided.

"The new owners intend to continue the existing concept and build upon the strong foundation that has been established over the past 22 years," McGinnis told Patch.

"Barley's has long served Towson students, alumni, residents, local organizations, and visitors, and the new ownership is committed to maintaining that role within the community."

What Prompted The Sale?

The restaurant had previously been owned by Jeff Guidera and Jill and Bill Packo, as well as the Greene Turtle locations in Towson.

McGinnis said the search for a buyer was launched as the previous owners "decided it was the right time to retire and transition the business to a new ownership group."

"One of the things that makes this sale especially meaningful is knowing that a business that has meant so much to so many people in Towson will continue into its next chapter," he said.

Barley's Backyard Uptown will continue to operate at 408 York Road.

Diners can stop in anytime between 11:30 a.m. and 2 a.m. Monday through Friday. Doors stay open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

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