Our History
Hair of the Dog
English Pub & Sports Bar
The Hair of the Dog English Pub and Sports Bar opened nearly five decades ago by founding owner Larry Bitonti. Longtime resident and business owner, Larry opened Churchill’s Fish and Chips next to the Palm Springs Car Wash in 1972 and later became president of the Greater Palm Springs Bar and Restaurant Association. In 1973 Larry obtained a liquor license and shortly thereafter, along with his life partner Carol Barbeau, the Hair of the Dog was born. The saloon has had three locations on Palm Canyon Drive over its lifespan, with its current location at 555 S. Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.
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In May of 2022, Larry left this Earth to share his spirit with the Heavenly realms. Tending bar, serving the community, helping others, and making customers smile was his life’s passion. Larry was a beloved character of the first magnitude who would stand in front of his saloon and do commentary about the many parades passing by. Bitonti is remembered for his kind heart and love of community, as well as his sense of service to fellow business owners.
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The popular pub offers an atmosphere and amenities harder to find as Palm Springs evolves; Cheap, cold beers served by people who treat you like family, the new location at the corner of Palm Canyon Drive and Camino Parocela boasts roughly 5,000 square feet of space for patrons, including a 32-foot-long bar, a game room with pinball, darts and lots of pool tables that are always in play. Opening daily at 7am, there are plenty of sporting events such as FIFA, World Cup, NFL, Golf, Tennis, etc., airing continuously on the dozens of video screens throughout the venue.
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Longtime Hair of the Dog patrons and close friends of Larry’s and Carols, Chuck and Lori Koller purchased the Hair in late 2022. The Kollers have been business owners, community servants, and residents of Palm Springs since the early 1990’s. Chuck can be seen riding his “Hair of the Dog” scooter to and from work, and both he and Lori are committed to honoring Larry & Carol’s legacy by keeping the Hair a local favorite.
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“There’s no reason you have to charge resort prices at a sports bar,” Koller says. “We just want people to come here and have fun.”