Oconomowoc's first Irish restaurant will close after 20 years in business
Evan Frank
After 20 years, Oconomowoc's first Irish restaurant will close its doors.
The Pub, owned by Aelred and Bernadette Gannon, opened in 2001 and has served as a popular gathering place ever since. The Gannons, who own the building at 114 N. Main St., decided to put it on the market 18 months ago.
"After 20 years we figured that's enough, and it seemed like a good time to put the building on the market," Aelred Gannon said.
Before the Pub, Gannon worked at Carpenter's Pub in Delafield. When he decided to try something different, he searched for possible locations for a new restaurant.
"This building caught my attraction," he said. "We spent six months renovating it, and we've been open ever since."
The Pub's last day is scheduled for May 15. Wine Maniacs Bar and Bistro is expected to take over the location and open in mid-June.
Gannon said the Pub became the first fully nonsmoking restaurant in Oconomowoc and also the first farm-to-table restaurant in the city. He said the Pub has also hosted weddings, wakes, christenings and more.
Over the years, the Gannons made many friends at the Pub.
After the Pub closes its doors for the final time, the Gannons will spend the next few months traveling and visiting family.
"We'll miss the people," Gannon said. "I won't miss being here every night of the week and every morning of the week. It'll be nice to have a break. We've had a lot of fun and good interactions with the community."
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Contact Evan Frank at (262) 361-9138 or evan.frank@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Evanfrank_LCP.