What is being described as an elegant cocktail bar and restaurant will soon open its doors and will be bringing a familiar name back to the business scene in Historic Folsom. Does the name “Yager,” have a familiar sound to those around Folsom?
Yager Lodge, located at 727 Traders Lane, will occupy the space once home to Escape Folsom. The establishment promises to bring fresh energy to the historic district while paying homage to the building’s rich local history. As in the past, the business will also have a storefront entry from its upper level right on Sutter Street.
The venture is the brainchild of Eric Rushing and Edmond Meehan, both experienced figures in the nightlife and entertainment industries. Rushing, serves as a vice president at Live Nation and has been involved in several well-known Sacramento are establishments, including The Cabin, Goldfield Trading Post, Tack Room, and Folsom Hotel in Historic Folsom. Meehan, founder of the Sacramento-based entertainment company Please and Thank You, brings expertise from his work managing businesses in cities such as New York, Nashville, and Los Angeles.
The concept for Yager Lodge reportedly will blend elements of past successful ventures with a focus on craft cocktails and elevated dining. Local chef William Hartzell, recognized for his work at Represa Grill, will oversee the kitchen, offering a menu designed to pair seamlessly with the bar’s extensive cocktail list.
The name Yager Lodge reflects a nod to local history, as the building was constructed in the 1800s by Peter Yager. Many Folsom regulars will remember the once-popular “Yager’s Tap House,” which operated in the same location before the business shuttered and the vacant space was later repurposed as an escape room business. Rushing noted that preserving the historical significance of the location is a priority, adding that the venue aims to highlight the building’s legacy while bringing fresh energy to Historic Folsom’s Sutter Street.
While the establishment will not feature live music, it will incorporate a musical element into its programming to complement its atmosphere. Rushing has emphasized the vision of creating a refined yet welcoming environment that merges nostalgia with modern sophistication. The new destination plans to offer over 20 handcrafted cocktails, prepared with fresh juices and ingredients, alongside a thoughtfully curated menu showcasing local flavors.
With construction on the 6,000-square-foot space nearing completion, the former escape rooms have been replaced with additional dining space, allowing for a spacious and comfortable guest experience. Rushing and Meehan are not sharing too many details just yet as they want to surprise the public with a full reveal and a few surprises ahead.
While a grand opening date has not been officially announced to the public, the doors are expected to open very soon as the holiday season enters its full swing in Folsom’s historic district. Stay tuned!
