His family later rejoined him in San Francisco, and by 1868 he opened Wagner's Beer Hall at 308 Dupont Street. When Dupont Street was renamed as Grant Avenue, the tavern's address changed to 1232 Grant Ave. Wagner and his family though lived in the two floors above the bar, and one of his sons would continue to operate the business after he retired. Wagner's Beer Hall was eventually renamed as simply the Saloon.
His family reunited him in San Francisco later, and by 1868 he opened Wagner's Beer Hall at 308 Dupont Street. When Dupont Street was renamed Grant Avenue, the tavern moved to 1232 Grant Ave. Wagner and his family lived above the bar, and one of his sons took over after retirement. Eventually, the establishment was known simply as the Saloon.