A 'Truly' Irish Pub About to Open its Doors

Have you ever had the craving for some good Irish food, like shepherd's pie, corned beef or fish and chips?

Well, soon you'll be able to get it without leaving Fanwood.

Fanwood resident Brian Walter and Scotch Plains native Sean Flannery are opening up an Irish pub in just a few weeks. The two men gave the borough council a preview of their plans in April. Now, they've shared with Patch even more details about "Flannery's," which will be located in the old Havana Express location at 200 South Avenue.

"It will be an elegant Irish pub with higher end fare based upon affordability and giving back to the community," Flannery said. The motto of the restaurant: Eat, Drink and Have Fun.

Flannery, who works in real estate development, said he knew he wanted to open a pub or restaurant near his hometown. 

"I enjoy people, sales. I like food, good wine," he said. While in college, Flannery bartended at the oldest sports bar in Boston and loved it.

The businessman said he purchased the liquor license in Fanwood five years ago. Walter saw in the local newspaper that he was applying for the license, so he contacted Flannery and told him he wanted to join in on the venture.

Flannery said it took them four years to find a location for the restaurant. When the Havana Express location opened up, they seized on the opportunity. After several months of negotiation, Flannery and Walter agreed on a buying price with the sellers.

Since then, it's been full speed ahead.

Flannery said he and Walter decided to open an Irish restaurant because of the number of Irish families that live in the area and because there's nothing like it around.

"It's a major void in that area looking for exactly what we're building," he said.

The restaurant, he says, will be "truly an Irish pub." It will have only eight tables, three of them outside. The inside will have flat screen televisions with every sports channel available. The menu will feature authentic Irish cuisine, but will also have items like fried oysters, special cheeses and stuffed artichokes.

"We're going to really do it right," Flannery said.

Their culinary plans have largely benefited from Walter, who's a life-long chef. He graduated from the French Culinary Institute at 18 years old, said Flannery, noting that he couldn't have asked for a better business partner. He noted the menu will change based upon the season and what is fresh at the time. 

One of the major missions of the restaurant is to provide quality food at reasonable prices. Flannery said they want the restaurant to become a part of the community and a place where people know they can get a nice lunch or dinner without breaking the bank.

Flannery's will also sell beer and wine that customers can purchase and take out of the restaurant. So, Flannery said, if people order take out, they can also buy a six-pack of beer to take home with them. Those frequenting nearby BYOB restaurants will also be able to purchase beer and wine at Flannery's.

Flannery said he's thrilled that, after five years in the making, the restaurant will open soon.

"People are already coming to the store saying, 'When are you opening?'"

Flannery's will open with a limited menu and access on June 25. The grand opening will be in July.