Bethesda Restaurant Owner May Replace Thirsty Turtle

The Gazette reported Tuesday that John McManus, owner of The Barking Dog in Bethesda, has applied for a liquor license and expressed interest in opening a second location at 7416 Baltimore Ave. in College Park, formerly home to the Thirsty Turtle.

The  on Nov. 3, after the county revoked its liquor license for allegedly serving two minors alcohol on Sept. 23.

With a Feb. 22 hearing set to request a liquor license from the Prince George's County Board of License Commissioners, McManus told the Gazette he is confident he could keep the student watering hole on the up and up.

Although McManus' liquor license for 7416 Baltimore Ave. is on the Board of License Commissioners' official agenda, his plans may not be set. Patch talked with The Barking Dog's general manager Christiana Hallas Tuesday afternoon about the potential for McManus starting a new operation in College Park.

"As far as I know, he's not inquired into that," said Hallas, who has worked for McManus for 10 years. She recalled times in the past when he looked into establishing new locations, but those didn't pan out.

"I talk to him more than my husband," Hallas said, explaining that he normally lets her in on his plans, yet she has heard nothing about him setting up in the Thirsty Turtle's spot.