Tom Bergin’s – the oldest Irish establishment in Los Angeles – has been undergoing renovations since July 1st of last year. The new owners, Warner Ebbink and Executive Chef Brendan Boudet, are painstakingly preparing the tavern for the next phase of life, while maintaining all the great ambiance we know and love. We understand that all the shamrocks are in place – just dusted off – and the bar has been refinished.
Like a typically, tragic Irish story – or a Lenten denial – the management at Tom Bergin’s had to make a very difficult announcement to their most ardent fans via their Facebook page:
Happy March, fans! Ay, we’ve got an update for ye – please read carefully below, and thank you for your patience & understanding!Â
To all of our customers past, present and future:Â
Since we began our restoration of Tom Bergin’s in August, we have had one goal in mind – to position the business to last another 75 years. Although we’d hoped the renovations would only take one or two months, we quickly discovered it was going to take more than just paint, soap, and water to get the old girl ready for the next 75. Well, it seems we’ve finally started to turn the corner. We’re interviewing for staff and, instead of ordering roofing and cement, we are ordering plates & glasses. It’s all beginning to come together.
This brings us to March 17th. Tom Bergin’s has enjoyed sharing its Irish heritage on St. Patrick’s Day with the city of Los Angeles for 75 years. We hoped to host the 76th St. Patrick’s Day, but after weeks of debate, had to make the difficult decision that it will be for the greater good to remain closed on that holiest of days. This was not an easy decision. Throwing together a one day event is fraught with many variables that could leave a bad first impression, and that is not what we want.
We want everyone’s first impression of the revitalized Tom Bergin’s to be an exceptional one and we want it without any further delay. So we ask for your understanding and hope that when the tavern doors finally swing open, you’ll feel it was a decision well made.
Thank you.
Bergin’s has kept their Facebook followers up to date along the way…most recently posting about interviews for various positions, including servers and bussers. So, they are close.
This predicament brings to mind a famous Irish proverb – “There’s nothing so bad that it couldn’t be worse”.  Stay tuned and we’ll let you know when Tom Bergin’s does open.
What are you doing for St. Patrick’s Day this year? Do share!
Oh no!