In 2006 Tom Hogan took over from the Stapleton family who had carried on a very successful bar and grocery business since 1934. He immediately began refurbishment of the premises, which included extending the existing bar to allow greater space for the restaurant. This work was carried out to the highest standards and the degree of detail is reflected in the finished product.

Tom Hogan shifted the emphasis from grocery to the provision of hot food to take account of changing customer patterns, providing for the increasing population in Ballyragget and greater passing traffic. In doing so, he managed to retain the warm relaxed an intimate pub atmosphere that had existed previously, giving families the opportunity to enjoy a meal and a drink on a Sunday afternoon especially.

The grocery section was retained but modified to include a very modern deli counter but continued to provide the home made breads and cakes that were a speciality of the previous owners.
The Hogan Stand continues the tradition of excellent service to the community that can be traced back to the Stapletons, the McGraths before them and the Maguinnesses who began the business back in the early years of the previous century.