The "Catdaddy" Legacy

(1986 – 2024)

The tavern as we know it today was originally forged by Mark "Catdaddy" Springman and his partner Judy Egelhoff.

 

How it Came to Be:

• 1979: After returning from college, Mark Springman entered the bar business by purchasing the Franklin House on State Street. He learned the ropes of the Alton hospitality scene under the mentorship of "Fast Eddie" Sholar.

   

• 1986: Mark purchased The Lower Deck at 203 W. 3rd St. He rebranded it as Catdaddy’s Tavern, and for the next 38 years, he and Judy turned it into a community staple.

   

• The Nickname: The name "Catdaddy" didn't come from the bar; it was a nickname Mark picked up from a "cool" janitor at Marquette High School. It stuck, eventually becoming the name of one of the most recognizable bars in the Riverbend.

   

Interesting Facts & Traditions:

• The $100,000 Impact: Mark and Judy were famous for their philanthropy. Through their annual baseball parties and food drives, they raised over $100,000 for the Alton Boys and Girls Club.

• The Flood of 1993: During the historic flood, Catdaddy’s was a "front-line" HQ. Mark and the staff provided food and drinks to the volunteer crews and National Guard members who were stacking sandbags to save downtown Alton.

• A "Cheers" Atmosphere: Former Mayor Brant Walker once compared the bar to the show Cheers, noting that while many bars can be "problematic," Catdaddy’s was known for its safety and family-like atmosphere. It was a place where people met, got married, and eventually brought their children (and grandchildren) for a drink.

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For over 25 years, CatDaddy’s Tavern has stood as a cornerstone of West 3rd Street... a true Alton Staple where the beer is always ice-cold and the music never stops. But every legendary institution needs a new chapter, and ours began with a phone call that changed the face of Downtown Alton nightlife forever.

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The Handshake That Started It All

The story of the new CatDaddy’s isn't found in a corporate boardroom; it was written on the hearts of friends and sealed with a handshake. It started when the original "CatDaddy" himself, Mark Springman, reached out directly to Miles Lynch with a simple question: "Are you interested in buying CatDaddy’s?".

While Miles was ready for the challenge, his wife Angel Lynch had a different vision. As Miles tells it, Angel stepped up and they decided that if they were gonna own a bar SHE would be the one to lead the charge. To keep a long-standing promise, Miles brought in Ryan Gentelin, a partnership born from a pact that if either of them ever owned a bar, they’d do it together.

The deal was finalized when Miles, Ryan, and Mark Springman met for a historic handshake—a moment captured in time that transitioned the legacy from one generation to the next.

A Powerhouse Partnership

• The Culinary Mastermind: Ryan Gentelin is the visionary behind Gentelin’s on Broadway. Known for serving some of the most sophisticated and delicious meals the Riverbend has to offer, Ryan’s reputation for excellence in the kitchen and impeccable service has made Gentelin’s a premier destination in Alton for years.

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• A Waterfront Legacy: Angel and Miles Lynch is no strangers to business in the region. Not only are the the owners of Alton Materials; They're also part-owners of the Bloody Bucket Saloon in Grafton, Illinois. Their experience managing one of the most famous, high-energy spots on the river ensures that the "soul" of Catdaddy’s... its fun, welcoming, and lively atmosphere... is in expert hands.

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Building for the Future

They aren't just maintaining a tradition; they are expanding it. Together, they have plans for an upcoming expansion that will add new dimensions to what Catdaddy’s offers the community. By blending Ryan’s culinary expertise with Angel and Miles deep roots in the local business scene, they are putting their own unique stamp on the future of this 3rd Street staple.

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"We aren't just taking over a bar; we are taking care of a piece of Alton’s heart. Our goal is to honor the 38 years of history Mark built while creating a space that the next generation will call home."