Sullivan’s Property Has a New Owner
But don’t expect the restaurant to open up anytime soon.
The property that used to house Sullivan’s Irish Pub has a new owner.
But don’t raise your glasses just yet. The new owner isn’t expected to reopen the space at 13386 Madison Avenue.
Instead, the property — which recently changed hands — is projected to go right back on the market.
On Monday night, Lakewood City Council OK’d the liquor license transfer from Patrick Sullivan to DAMIJU, a company owned by Lakewood businessman Tony George.
However, George isn’t expected to reopen the bar, once a staple of Madison Avenue.
At-large city councilman Ryan Nowlin said that George, the owner of the Harry Buffalo chain, will likely begin looking for a new buyer.
George couldn’t immediately be reached for comment on this story, but he told Lakewood Patch last year that he wasn’t interested in the property.
“Every time I look at a building, people think I am going to buy it,” George told Lakewood Patch.
The “for sale” sign remains posted in the windows.
“I haven’t heard anything from Mr. George but I look forward to talking with him,” said Dru Siley, the city’s director of planning and development.
“Sullivan’s was a significant presence on Madison Avenue for a number of years. It was hard on the commercial corridor when it closed.”
The popular restaurant — picked by Lakewood Patch readers as having the best fish fries and the best place to spend St. Patrick’s Day — changed hands last year.
The new owner handed the keys back to former owner Patrick Sullivan “and walked away,” said a former employee.
The bank First Federal of Lakewood sold the property to DAMIJU, however, property records haven’t yet been updated to reflect the sale price.
When a dedicated buyer emerges, what should they do with the defunct pub?
Amanda Gunnels
8:13 am on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Please don't sell or rent this building to a big box restaurant... would love to see the MAMA District remain local. Add to places like That's Nuts, The Good Goat, Coffee Pot, Tarrymore Inn, etc. Great variety, and unique spots to visit.
Alexandra
9:21 am on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
No 'big box' will fit. I want a pub back.
John
4:13 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
it is a "turn key" Irish pub of the first order so far as these untrained eyes can tell. It would make a great pub again, and I can only surmise that there is some issue with the liquor license preventing it from reopening and being successful again. I miss the old Sullivan's (from better days).
Mike
4:41 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
I just want my mug back!
Linda Rogers
7:24 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Sushi Bar please :)