Harrison Takes Over George?s Lounge

Ben Harrison has taken over as manager of George’s Majestic Lounge after leasing the historic Dickson Street business out for the past four and a half years.

George’s, which opened in the 1920s, is the oldest tavern in Fayetteville.

Harrison, who owns 30 percent of the business, said he was asked by Mary Hinton to return to manage George’s. The request was made about two months before Hinton’s death, Harrison said.

Hinton, who owned George’s from 1947 to 1987, died Feb. 12 at the age of 80. Hinton remained owner of the building and continued to work at George’s until January. Harrison said the real estate is now part of Hinton’s estate.

Harrison’s parents, Bill and Betty Harrison of Fayetteville, own the remaining 70 percent of the business. They purchased George’s from Hinton in 1987.

Ben Harrison served as manager of George’s from 1991 to 1996.

During his absence over the past four and a half years, the leasee has had five different managers running the bar. Harrison said he plans to return some stability to the business.