Eating and drinking local just got a little easier in Mattapoisett Village. On March 7, the Inn on Shipyard Park owners Nils Johnson and Andrea Perry officially purchased the historic building that houses their restaurant.

Johnson and Perry purchased the business, the Irish-themed Kinsale Inn, from Anthony Clarke and Michael Galway almost two years ago with an idea of buying the property later on.

“Initially that was always the thought, that if everything went well with the business that we would want to get our hands on the building,” said Johnson.

Both Mattapoisett residents, Johnson and Perry began working together at Johnson's bar, The Bitter End, in Fairhaven.

When the Kinsale Inn came up for sale, they saw it as an opportunity to bring the place back to its roots.

“I think it’s an institution in Mattapoisett,” said Johnson. “It needs to be here…seafood, tavern and drinks and music is what it always was and what I remember it as being.”

The inn was Johnson’s first bartending job 16 years and a few owners ago.

Back then, the owner lived in the building. “It had that family vibe that we’re trying to get back,” said Johnson. “People know we’re accessible as well as local. One of us is always here.”

Now that Perry and Johnson own the building outright, they’d like to make some changes.

“It was casually neglected,” said Johnson. “I have a lot of respect for the building. We’re looking at making some changes both inside and outside to maintain the integrity of its age.”

Perry said they plan to “spruce up” some of the rentable rooms upstairs and make the main room more unified.

But for those still holding out for the burger night of inns past, it’s going to be a long wait.

“We’re making this our own,” said Perry. She did offer an alternative: “Come by on pizza night on Monday night!”