Longtime Local Pub Preparing New Digs

Owners of a popular Carrollwood pub say that zoning, construction, hotel and restaurant permits are now in place for a late July re-opening in their new digs.

The new storefront for O’Brien’s Pub Tampa is located at 15435 N. Dale Mabry Highway.

“This is going to be a great location," says Teresa O’Brien, speaking over the sound of hammering down the hall.

On March 27, O’Brien’s Pub – Tampa, closed its doors after 21 years at the Main Street Shopping Center when their lease was not renewed by the RMC Group. But a loyal following and robust sales prompted the decision to secure a new spot. It was a proverbial “no brainer” for owners Bernie and Teresa O’Brien.

 "We’re really excited about being here," says Bernie O’Brien, from his perch on a lift where he’s staining the woodwork a rich mahogany tone.

He added that neighboring restaurants in the new location have been welcoming. The new location is in the same shopping center as Grille 116, behind Friday’s, and adjacent to Sushi Alive, on the east side of Dale Mabry Highway. 

The new spot, slightly north of Hoedt Road, is nearly twice as large , with 5,600-square-feet of combined indoor and outdoor space. But what really makes Teresa O’Brien’s eyes dance, is the addition of a gas fireplace.  She says it’s the right touch for an authentic Irish pub.  Bernie O'Brien adds that LED lightbulbs will enhance indoor visibility while supporting green technologies in the popular pub.

On a recent afternoon, construction crews were busy with carpentry and plumbing projects. Amidst the sound of sawing, workers scurried about painting, sawing and digging. From configuration of electrical wiring, to floor refinishing, there’s still a sizeable amount of work still ahead. Yet by all accounts, the enthusiastic crew has been working from dawn to dusk in order to chip away at that checklist.

There are two other O’Brien’s Pubs located in Plant City and Brandon. At the Tampa location, the O’Brien’s are on an ambitious, self-imposed timetable to re-open and re-establish a welcoming spot for their loyal patrons. The owners have also been making an effort to stay visible in Carrollwood, where each reside. 

 “We have a lot of good feelings about this community ... and connections, and I run into former patrons when I'm out, who all ask about our re-opening,” says Bernie O’Brien. 

 That’s one reason why he and Teresa O'Brien have been integrally involved  in the craftsmanship, renovations and decor of the new location.

 “We have always been involved in the day-to-day operations," says Bernie O’Brien. He's also quick to credit loyal friends and employees who are assisting with work.

Teresa O'Brien, his ex-wife and business partner, shares another tidbit. 

 “What made us a bit different is that other restaurant workers came to our place when they got off work, “ she says. "We run into those folks, and they say they miss our pub."

 “We’re known as the hospitality bar,” says Bernie O’Brien.

 That likely won’t change.

 The duo says many of the nearly 25-strong staff members will also return to work at the new location in the northern end of Carrollwod, near Northdale. Most held positions for 15 years or longer.

 “That continuity is something our customers like,” says Bernie O’Brien.

 Although closing the old location was unexpected, the staff is also looking to the future.

"We're really excited about the new location," said Tigger Jensen, who at nine years, is one of the newest employees. "We miss our clientele and can't wait to see everybody. But, at the same time, we're also looking forward to making new friends." 

The pub's owners have also been hammering out an expanded menu, which will include a Sunday brunch, a traditional Irish night each month, and old standbys such as lamb stew, and pub fare.

 “We’re looking forward to again having our authentic Irish food, but will be expanding to other items,” says Teresa O’Brien.

And who will cook at the pub?

“We’ve been interviewing some well-qualified chefs,” chimes in Bernie O’Brien.

 Music to their ears

O’Brien’s will continue to function as a music venue as well. Once a month, there are plans for traditional bagpipers and Irish dancers. Live music will resume on Friday and Saturday nights. Once the new location is open, a schedule will be posted on the website.

 “Our tradition of showing Bucs, Tampa Bay Rays and Lightning games on T.V. will  continue,” says Bernie O’Brien.

 He’s quick to add that his pub has also been the home of the Black and Gold Club, which supports the Pittsburgh Steelers.

 “That,” he says, “will also continue."

Local charitable efforts will resume through the O'Brien's annual golf tournaments that support a hospice, and a toy drive in December for foster children. The pub will continue sponsoring the O’Brien’s Boys soccer team. Naturally, the legendary revelry on St. Patrick’s Day will also  be a trademark ceebration.

 “We’re preserving the old and enhancing it - and also adding in new things,” says Bernie O’Brien, whose current plans involve a soft opening, followed by something on a grander scale. 

Jensen says staff and longtime clients are anxiously awaiting the re-opening.

"We're all like family, and can't wait to be working together again," she says.

 Check back at Patch for updates on construction, an opening date and imagery, as things take shape at O'Brien's Tampa location.   

 Details:

 O’Brien’s Pub Tampa

15435 N. Dale Mabry Hwy,

Tampa, Fla. 33618

813.961.4092

www.obrienspubs.com

Mon-Sun: 11:30 a.m. -3:00 a.m. when it re-opens in late July.