NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
7 June 2004

MAJOR NEW IRISH EATERY & PUB OPENS IN DOWNTOWN

Harrisburg, PA—Mayor Stephen R. Reed today announced that the latest major new downtown attraction is now opening with activities slated for tonight and Tuesday night.

Molly Brannigan’s, with two entrances at 204 Walnut Street and 31 North 2nd Street, occupies 4,340 square feet of splendidly renovated and upgraded space. It has been built as an authentic Irish pub, with the bar, backbar, crystal and many of its furnishings having actually been brought from Ireland, with many of them dating to the 19th Century. Irish craftsmen were brought to the U.S. to do much of the work.

The result is an upscale façade at both entrances and an interior accented by brick and lighting. The restaurant-pub can seat 200, and operating hours are expected to be 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. seven days a week, with daily lunch and dinner dining. The menu includes authentic Irish foods and dishes, as well as American cuisine such as steaks, seafood, salads and pub foods.

Reed said the project represents a major high six-figure investment by owners John Melody and Colm McWilliams. Melody is managing director and the general manager is Russell Stachewicz. At least 70 new jobs have been created by the project.

“This project does many things. It shows the adaptive reuse of older buildings, brings a dose of Old Ireland to the city and region, and splendidly adds to the smorgasboard of attractions in Harrisburg’s downtown. We expect it will be a big hit with the public because of its first rate amenities, service, menu and surroundings,” Reed said.

Molly Brannigan’s can be reached at (717) 260.9242.

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