Avram Hornik selling interest in 5 bars, including Union Transfer and Boot & Saddle

Avram Hornik, who built up an empire of bars and music venues over the last 15 years, is selling his interest in five properties, including Union Transfer and Boot & Saddle.

Expect little change as the buyers are the longtime managers, operating under Hornik's Four Corners Management.

Hornik said he would keep the seasonal Morgan's Pier on the Delaware River, William Street Common, an indoor beer garden at 39th and Chestnut Streets, and the Dolphin Tavern on Broad Street near Tasker.

One deal, in which Kyle Costill bought Ortlieb's in Northern Liberties, was just completed. Costill, who took over as Ortlieb's manager three years ago, revamped the look, the live music, and the sound system, and added an easy-to-manage Mexican menu.

Pending various approvals are Sean Agnew and Mark Fichera's impending purchase of Hornik's interest in Union Transfer, the bar/music venue on Spring Garden Street near 11th, and South Philadelphia's Boot & Saddle, a bar/music venue on Broad Street near Ellsworth.

Manager Joe Crouse is poised to buy Drinker's Pub at 1903 Chestnut St., and Tom "Doc" Dougherty is the prospective owner of Drinker's Tavern at 124 Market St. in Old City.