Former ‘Common Grounds,’ ‘Hog Haus’ owner intends to open new restaurant

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — “Common Grounds” and “Hog Haus” were both beloved restaurants along Dickson Street and an inkling of the past may be returning soon.

Julie Sill has moved back to Fayetteville after three years closer to family in Maryland, but her reasoning for moving back to The Hill was never with the intention of turning a profit.

“I have a great support network here, and I love my family, but I’m independent,” Sill said. “My kids were born and raised here, so this is home now. [Maryland’s] still home, but this has become home.”

After the building at 1104 College Avenue in Fayetteville, went on the market, Sill pounced on the opportunity.

She purchased the property and intends to open a new restaurant, “The Feral Pig” — a place that focuses primarily on breakfast and lunch featuring the Bloody Mary and “Birdseed Salad” that were popular at her past establishments.

Sill’s love for the restaurant business started after her soccer career at the University of Arkansas was cut short after a leg injury. She said the adrenaline rush of working in a restaurant filled the void she got while playing soccer.

After moving back to Maryland in 2021, Sill couldn’t stay away from Northwest Arkansas.

“I was never out of Fayetteville for longer than three months,” Sill said. “At the time, it was a 3-year-old truck that I put 85,000 miles on, driving from Frederick, (Maryland), to Fayetteville.”

Sill’s return was purely emotional, missing her family and friends in the area. However, Brian Crowne, the owner of George’s Majestic Lounge, said the region’s economic and population growth could also be attracting factors for potential new business owners in the area.

“To have a region that has somewhat a vibrant economy and a lot of different business perspectives you can come to and probably find some support,” Sill said. “I can’t imagine there’s a more attractive place around the country.”

Despite the growth and change in Northwest Arkansas, Crowne said George’s Majestic Lounge wants to maintain its identity as a live music joint while staying relevant in the present day.

Sill is excited about “The Feral Pig’s” opening. There is not a set start date in mind and many preparations are still yet to be made, but Sill wants it to feel like the customer is walking into their “family room.”

She also intends to support local organizations and artists, saying they’ll hang up artwork from Northwest Arkansans on the walls free of charge.

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