Waxy O'Connor's Coming to Hartwell Avenue

Along with its name, Waxy O'Connor's, a new restaurant and pub set to open on Hartwell Avenue in September, will have plenty of authentic Irish charm – arriving from Ireland in two 40-foot containers.

"It's a truly authentic Irish bar if the bar is coming from Ireland – it doesn't get more authentic than that," said Gordon Hyde, co-owner and operator. "It gives you the feeling you're in Ireland."

Hyde would know. A Cork City, Ireland, native, Hyde grew up working in his father's pub business. He came to the United States in 1994, where he met fellow Irishman Mark Rohleder, from County Donegal, Ireland. Together, they came up with the concept of Waxy's, and opened the first location in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in 1997.

Hyde is now prepping the restaurant space at 94 Hartwell Ave. for another Waxy's, set to open Sept. 17. The 12,000-square-foot building, currently owned by Ashok Patel of Jamsan Hotel Management in Lexington, was formerly the home of Hartwell House (1985-2005), Max Stein's American Steakhouse (2005-2008) and Palio's Italian Grill (2008-2010).

"When people call you Waxy in Ireland it means you're lucky," said Hyde, explaining that the story behind the name is more than 100 years old.

According to Hyde, O'Connor was a candlemaker from Ireland who used to live above his candle store. One day, his store caught fire while he was asleep, but he managed to get out without being harmed.

"People in town called him Waxy because he was able to get away," said Hyde.

Lexington will be the sixth Waxy's location, and the business partners are planning to open five more in the next 18 months, including in Keene and Manchester, N.H; Plainville, Conn.; and two other spots still under negotiation.

Visitors to the new restaurant in Lexington will discover a lot more than just a new sign. The renovations are extensive, costing more than $500,000, said Hyde.

General contractor Noble Ventures of Raynham has been preparing the space, re-designed by BKA Architects of Brockton, for the arrival of interior fixtures built by Truwood of Ireland.

On Aug. 24, Hyde expects a crew from Ireland to install everything included in the Ireland shipment under the direction of designer John Kaye of Ireland, who has won awards in Europe for his restaurant and bar designs.

"It's mostly rich, dark mahogany interior, very upscale, more upscale than your average Irish bar," said Hyde. "We don't have bicycles hanging out of the ceiling like a few bars in Boston."

The rectangular-shaped bar will be 100 feet long, with seating for 40 people, and six 50-inch LED flat screen televisions will be mounted behind the bar. The plan also includes a stage for live entertainment, and a new kitchen, ceilings, floors and rugs imported from Ireland.

A game room located on the upper level of the ground floor will offer two pool tables, jukeboxes and dart boards. The wine cooler from Palio's will now be a display keg room.

Function space for 150 people on the second floor called "The Dublin Room" will be available for business meetings and special events such as birthday parties, showers and christenings, said Hyde.

He is still waiting for a permit to be approved for an outdoor patio with seating for 42 people, overlooking the property's fountain pond.

"We are trying to bring it back to what the Hartwell House was," he said. "Everybody loved the Hartwell House. People can come in with families and have a nice meal, have a good time and feel pleased when they leave."

Executive Chef Ryan Blaney is working on a special menu which will include traditional Irish fare such as bangers and mash (Irish sausages with mashed potatoes and sweet onion gravy), shepherds pie and Guinness beef stew.

Blaney, who is in the process of recruiting up to 70 staff members, said he's very excited about the restaurant's opening and the Irish environment it will offer. Hyde's wife, Romina, will general manager.

A full Irish breakfast, including Irish sausage, Irish bacon, and black and white pudding will be served all day. The menu will be reasonably priced with most lunches under $10 and dinners between $10 and $20. Take-out and catering will also be offered.

Special events will take place throughout the year, such as live entertainment every Friday and Satruday night, trivia and karaoke nights, costume competitions on Halloween and holiday, New Year's and Superbowl parties.

"It's a very social environment with Waxy's," Hyde said. " A lot of it has to do with the entertainment, playing pool, watching a game on the televisions, interacting with everyone around you."

More information on Waxy's is available at www.waxys.com. Those interested in applying for employment at the Lexington location may e-mail  waxyslexington@gmail.com.