Killen’s Irish Pub Now Open After Extra Time To Prepare
There’s a common worry that many new business owners have as they’re about to open their doors–will anyone show up? But for Peter Killen, who’s just opened Killen’s Irish Pub in North Loop, it’s more like, will too many people show up at the start? And will we be ready?
Given how many of them had been stopping by during construction–and how viral our social media posts about his business have been–Killen is well aware of how eager the neighborhood is.
His new staff–many of them North Loop residents–had several practice runs a couple weekends ago, serving food and drinks to friends and family, and then Killen gave them one more week to get ready for the general public.
“You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” he explained through a sign on the front door. “I owe it to you, my staff and this pub to make sure we’re truly ready.”
His timing is still good with all the interest in the FIFA World Cup. Most of the seats at Killen’s have a clear view of a TV screen.
Along with Irish whiskey, he has three of the most popular Irish beers on tap–Guinness, Harp and Smithwick’s red ale. The menu, which will eventually grow once things are humming in the kitchen, includes favorites like fish and chips, the “famous Dublin Pub Toastie” (ham & cheese), grilled skewers and a few salad options.
Killen’s will be open every day of the week. “I just feel like if you’re going to be a neighborhood pub, you’re going to be open seven days a week,” Killen said. “A lot of places are closing Mondays and Tuesdays and it’s like, nope, we’re going to be open.”
You’ll find Killen’s at the corner of 6th Avenue North and North 4th Street.
By Mike Binkley, North Loop volunteer
