Flannery's in Fanwood Becomes Oh Brian's Pourhouse

The popular Fanwood pub Flannery's on South Avenue is undergoing changes by the end of this year, starting with a name change to Oh Brian's Pourhouse.

Part-Owner and head chef Brian Walter, said the change is "not the end of Flannery's, but the beginning of Oh Brian's Pourhouse."

The new pourhouse is receiving 15 new taps, an updated menu and new uniforms for the staff. The outdoors of Oh Brian's is also getting a facelift, it was painted a bright red and is awaiting a new sign featuring the new name.

Part-Owner Brian Costello said the two are looking to re-invent what they already are, which Walter likes to say is a hyperlocal pub. 

"Our food is something we are very proud of," Costello said. He added that the new menu is something they are very excited for.

It's both the favorites and the adventurous, Walter said.
 
The Brians already have in place a preliminary menu which they hope to implement by the end of the year.

The new menu will keep original favorites but include additions such as steaks, seafood and salads. 

Another new addition to the menu will be breaded frog legs. The frog legs will come from HoppinPoppers.com, a company that both Walter and Costello are a part of. Being a part of HoppinPoppers.com is how Costello and Walter met and became friends. 

The company was established in 2011 by Walter and Professional Restaurateur Luciano Ingrao.  It is the only breaded frog leg company in the world, Walter said.
The name change of Oh Brian's Pourhouse was a simultaneous change with their plans to update.

The 15 new taps and menu change should be in place by the end of the year, most likely after the holidays, Walter said.

A lot of the original plans got pushed back by storm, but the name change was something they did not want to hold off on any longer.

The Brians are also very proud to introduce back into Fanwood, Lewis Boch head bartender and mixologist. 

"I'm very proud of this guy," Walter said.

In addition to the expansion of the menu and taps, an architect is currently drawing up plans to expand the pourhouse. Oh Brian's Pourhouse will eventually have three different rooms with three different atmospheres, from the current pub to both casual and fine dining rooms.

"With all the changes we are going to make, it's important not to change who we are," Costello said. "We're looking to build on that."