Brennan’s closing this weekend

by Susan Mikula Campbell
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, September 1, 2007

Brennan’s Irish Pub, a fixture on Youngstown’s Main Street for 20 years, will be closing its doors this weekend.

Owner Gary Brennan said Friday that he fully expects the full service restaurant and bar to be sold and reopened under new ownership.

Since word got out that he was interested in selling, he’s gotten almost daily calls from interested buyers. One Youngstown resident is hoping to have word on financing by early next week, Brennan said, noting that he was not closing because of any decline in business.

“I’ve been working 34 years in the restaurant business and I’ve always had at least two businesses,” said Brennan who also currently owns Yankee Spirits Liquor in North Tonawanda. “I just decided to cut back and have a little bit more time with the family.”

Brennan said he’s also had some recent health concerns.

“A 40-hour week, it’s going to be a plus. It’s time to enjoy life,” he said while serving customers in the busy liquor store.

Youngstown Mayor Neil Riordan was pleased to hear that the business is expected to continue.

“It’s a vital complement to our Main Street business community,” he said. “We will be glad to work with Gary and any new businesspersons to make sure it continues to be a successful business.”

Youngstown’s food-oriented businesses have been growing lately with Asker’s ice cream and coffee shop, the opening of the Deli Store and more this summer and the reopening of the Old Fort Inn Bistro last year by Red Coach owner Tom Reese. Plus, there’s the expected grand opening of the fire-damaged Fyfe and Drum restaurant under new ownership next spring. Events such as the Regatta, soccer tournaments and fishing derbies, keep the restaurant business booming in Youngstown during summer months, Riordan said.

“The hopes and plans for a cross-river ferry service will only bolster those businesses,” he said.

Brennan’s Irish Pub in Youngstown opened in 1987. At the time, Brennan also owned Village Pizza in Lewiston, which he sold in 1990.

The Youngstown restaurant will serve food until Sunday night. The bar will be open until 3 p.m. Monday for the Youngstown Firemen’s Field Days Labor Day parade crowd.

“I want to thank all the patrons and friends of Brennan’s, all the Youngstown, Ransomville and Lewiston people for their devotion to the place,” Brennan said. “It’s just been wonderful.”