Tim Paine, the owner of The Mason Jar, 2925 W. Colorado Ave., since 1982, sold the restaurant to Kevin Weese, in early May. Weese owns two Trails End Taprooms at 3103 W. Colorado Ave. and 252 Front St., Monument.

Paine launched The Mason Jar with two other partners, but over the years he acquired total ownership of the popular eatery.

“I’ll be around to help Kevin if he needs me,” Paine said. “The restaurant would have turned 40 in November, but I was ready to do some traveling. I may do a mission with my church to Africa. What I’m most happy about is that 100% of the staff are staying.”

Weese is uncertain of final plans for the eatery, but one thing is for sure: much of the menu, including the popular chicken fried steak, fried chicken and other classic comfort foods will remain.

“I grew up here (in the Springs) and loved the food at The Mason Jar,” Weese said. “Many of those dishes will continue to be offered. And we will be adding some new things, as well.”

There will be some changes made to the dining area, although the details are not nailed down. For instance, a self-pour taproom system with 40 different beers, wines and cocktails will be incorporated in The Mason Jar and a bigger patio is being considered.

“It will be a combination of the original Mason Jar and a nod to the urban taproom,” Weese said.