Sullivan's Property Has a New Owner

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?