01/09/2025
***LAST CALL AT JIM BYRNE’S WEE PUB!***
It is with a heavy heart and mixed emotions that I announce that I am closing the Wee Pub.
The last day of Operation will be Sunday, January 12th, 2025.
Some people know the history of the Wee Pub (named for the smallest county in Ireland, County Louth, where my Dad was from), many do not. For decades the bar was run by my Dad and Mom, who immigrated from Ireland in the 1950s. In 1964 my parents acquired the bar with a partner then later bought him out. They were living their American Dream. My father worked and played hard. He was kind, funny and generous, sometimes to a fault. He had a great work ethic, he was a good mentor, role model and an avid golfer. But most of all he was my best friend. My mother was the brains behind the operation and kept my Dad on the straight and narrow (when she could).
I was born and raised in this bar (born in Astoria actually), but literally raised in the apartment behind the bar until I was 18. I learned to clean toilets and mop floors at a young age. I ran errands with my father all the time. As a kid, this bar was my playground. I grew up in this neighborhood. When asked where I am from, the answer is always Ozone Park. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was an amazing childhood, a great community and I wouldn’t change a thing.
I went on the NYC Police Department when I was 20. When I retired from NYPD I took over the day to day operations of the bar from my parents, although they were still active in the process. It is hard to believe that was over 20 years ago.
It has been a great ride, some days it didn’t even feel like work. . . . and some days it did. I want to thank our customers through the years for your patronage and support. So many friends, characters, nicknames, stories, laughs, celebrations and tears. I should write a book.
Special thanks to the people who have worked for me (and my Dad) over the years. People like George Quinn, Mike O’Gara, John Gallagher, Tom Gallagher, Teddy McCormick , Pat McDaid, JTB -Jerry the Bum, *Kevin Brady, Mick Giles, Eammon O’Cara, Martin Willis, Anthony Rodriguez, Brendan Dalton, Ernie Palmer, Jim Traynor, Mike Lamm, Louise (Lulu) Vega, Christine, Little Louie, Randy Smith and my (everyone’s) Uncle Hughie. I may have missed someone I'm sorry if I have. Your dedication to the Wee Pub allowed my dad to provide for me and my Mom, and has also allowed me to provide for my family. I will be forever grateful to all of you.
Being in business for over 60 years is quite an accomplishment for any family business, restaurant or bar. There have been many ups and downs (having to close for almost a year because Covid really kicked my butt). However, I would like to remember the good times and the great people along the way. If these walls could talk – oh the stories they would tell.
Please come by on Sunday January 12th for a drink on the house, share some stories and memories. If you can’t make it on Sunday, please share a memory in this post. (we will be open from noon until 8 p.m. on Sunday)
This wasn’t an easy decision for me. It’s not goodbye but a see you soon – whether its going to lunch, a concert, playing golf, through Facebook, texts or just hanging out. I look forward to keeping in touch with everyone.
Thanks for the memories.– JB
