Declining sales and failed lease renegotiations are leading Lakewood pub, the Tipperary Inn, to close. Tim Russi, who has owned the pub for five years with his wife, Ellen, declined to elaborate on negotiations with building owner, SLJ Co. He blamed the economy — with people being laid off and taking pay cuts, fewer are spending money in restaurants and bars.
"We worked really hard at this for five years. Actually, it’s a sign of the times," he said. "It’s not that we did anything wrong, it’s just that people don’t have the money to spend."
The worst part is saying goodbye to customers, many of whom have become friends of the Russi family, and the pub’s 15 employees, who all live in Lakewood, he said.
This isn’t the first time the Tipperary has closed. Read more about that after the jump.
The Tipperary’s original owner, Martin Lombard, opened it on Greenville Avenue in 1990 and moved it to its current location on Live Oak in 1994. Lombard closed the place in July 2003, and the Russis bought it in May 2004.
“I’ve tried everything I know to keep it going, but we’re going to keep feeling a squeeze,” Russi said. “It’s been a great five years and we’ve met some wonderful people.”
I put a call in to SLJ Co., but haven’t heard back so far.
