8-24-2026 4:06am

Bar Owner Moving

Hunt Valley Life Staff

Popular Baltimore County bar hits the market after 20 years

By Morgan Simpson – Reporter , Baltimore Business Journal

Hightopps Backstage Grille is listed for $4.5 million.
Owner James Bell plans to retire after running the business for 20 years.
The over 5,000-square-foot restaurant generates approximately $3.4 million in annual sales, per a listing.

A 20-year-old Baltimore County restaurant and bar is hitting the market for millions.

Hightopps Backstage Grille’s business and property are available for $4.5 million, according to The Restaurant Broker, which will handle the sale. Owner James Bell plans to retire and “move to an island” after many years of running the business, according to Jack McGinnis, director of marketing and research at The Restaurant Broker.

The over-5,000-square-foot restaurant at 2306 York Road is known for its large outdoor patio reminiscent of a beach bar, game-day events and live music. The sale includes a Class B liquor license, multiple bars and inside and outside dining spaces near the Maryland State Fairgrounds. Hightopps makes around $3.4 million in annual sales, and its real estate was appraised at nearly $4 million in 2021, FINISH READING HERE

NOW AVAILABLE — HIGHTOPPS BACKSTAGE GRILLE

We’re excited to publicly introduce the opportunity to acquire Hightopps Backstage Grille, one of Baltimore County’s most recognizable restaurant and bar destinations.For years, Hightopps has been much more than simply a restaurant along York Road. It has grown into a true gathering place for the Timonium and greater Baltimore County community — the kind of place people associate with summer nights on the patio, Ravens Sundays, live music, celebrations, reunions, happy hours, family dinners and countless memories made over the years.

Along the way, Hightopps has built something increasingly difficult to create from scratch: a recognizable name, a loyal following and a lasting place within the community.Now, a new owner has the opportunity to become the next chapter of that story.Located at 2306 York Road in Timonium, the offering includes both the operating business and real estate, providing the opportunity to take over an established, high-volume operation while owning a highly visible property along one of Baltimore County’s busiest commercial corridors.

Established, high-volume restaurant & bar Business + Real Estate Approximately $3.4M in annual sales Real Estate appraised at $3.975M in 2021 Multiple bars, expansive outdoor patio & live entertainment Class B Beer, Wine & Liquor LicenseA business-only acquisition may also be considered for the right operator.Whether you’re an established restaurant group looking to expand, an owner/operator searching for a proven business, or an investor looking for a restaurant and real estate opportunity, Hightopps offers something that would be extremely difficult to replicate today — the business, the property, the infrastructure, the name and decades of goodwill already built around it.