About

Hank Dietle’s has been a labor of love for fans of the county’s oldest licensed bar for many years, serving up cold beer and warm memories since the 1916 store reopened as Hank Dietle’s Tavern in 1950.  As development pressures were wiping out history along the pike, longtime fan Tony Huniak took over in 1990 to keep our beloved bar going. When the Quarry House burned in 2015,  Tony welcomed Rockabilly Saturday Night to a new venue on the pike, carving out space for dancing in a homey social setting that proved a perfect fit for fans of live roots & retro music.

After Hank Dietle’s suffered a devastating fire in February 2018, fans rallied again to save the irreplaceable roadhouse. Chantal “Kiti” Gartner set up a Go Fund Me website to help the out of work employees and teamed with Mark Segraves and others to organize a benefit concert to launch a reconstruction effort. Thanks to their tireless efforts and many fans who contributed, the roof was repaired, the porch rebuilt, critical electrical work done, and interior walls rebuilt. 

Building on their efforts, three devotees of the historic tavern teamed up to complete work on the interior, recreate our beloved “Hank Dietle’s Cold Beer” sign, and get the institution rolling again. All three are long-time supporters of  Maryland’s live music and dance scene—musicians, promoters and entrepreneurs dedicated to ensuring that Hank Dietle’s rides again. With your help, we’ll reopen this spring!

Going Forward

We have engaged John Petsche and Homeserve LLC to complete the construction of the building. The HVAC, structural work, kitchen installation, construction of 2 bathrooms, a new stage and sound system, a new bar, are costly. As of May 1, 2020 costs have exceeded $200K, with more than $100K of work to do before we can open.. Sooo now we have the covid 19 situation also. We remain committed, and have had generous concessions from the landlord, but this is still a risky proposition.

Though the principals have invested a substantial amount of money, we’re asking for your financial help to complete the construction so we can open for business and bring back live music to Rockville Pike! Once open, in addition to offering beer and wine, we’ll have locally prepared food available.

We'll be providing updates of spending and progress. Click here if you can help us make Hank Dietle’s Ride Again! 

Other exciting news:

We will be hosting a couple of live music fundraisers featuring many of your favorite local bands in early 2020 to help raise funds toward construction; stay tuned for more information! 

We’ll have a web store where you will be able to buy T-shirts and as well as other Hank Dietle's merchandise. Creations will be available from our main designer, Dick Bangham, as well as t-shirt designs from Fran D'Antuono, and Alice Kresse.