A traditional Irish public house has been proposed by two friends who grew up in neighboring towns in Ireland.
The proposal was presented to the town’s Planning Board on Tuesday, April 21. The new restaurant is a concept by William “Liam” Slattery and friend Keith O’Brien, and will be called O’Slattery’s Irish Restaurant and Pub.
“Keith and I have been successfully concurring our dreams side-by-side in New York City for the last 14 years, and together as best friends we are going to bring the people of Delmar true Irish hospitality, in a picture-perfect setting that we are confident everyone will love,” wrote Slattery in a letter to the Planning Board.
The restaurant in planned for the former for 318 Delaware Avenue at Main Square Shoppes in the former Lovin’ Cafe. Slattery said he is currently the bar manager of Perfect Pint Irish Bar and Restaurant in Manhattan, while O’Brien owns a construction company.
Slattery’s wife, Jackie, is from Bethlehem. The couple now have two children, and part of the reason Delmar was chosen for the new venture was so their kids could be raised in her hometown. Liam and Jackie Slattery would oversee day-to-day operations of the business, while O’Brien oversaw construction and maintenance.
Slattery said the location shows promise as the town has a growing population, and new businesses are attracted the area.
The business partners are seeking a site plan amendment for building elevations to update the exterior facade. Plans call for two vacant spaces to be combined into one. However, the sides will remain “slightly separate,” so one side can remain quiet with private tables. The entire restaurant would be about 2,150 square feet, along with the existing deck for outdoor seating.
The proposed exterior would be a dark gray. The sign would be scarlet with gold lettering in an attempt to emulate a “vintage” Irish pub. This would be a bit different from the building’s current light blue.
Several planning board members said they were excited about the proposal, but asked for more information concerning any work to be done for the back deck’s outside seating area. They suggested some paint, and possibly a look to be a little consistent with Shogun next door.
“I believe Delmar is the perfect place to plant my dream of O’Slattery’s Irish Restaurant and Pub, a dream the lifetime in the making,” said Slattery.
The project will likely be approved at an upcoming May meeting. A target opening date for the restaurant has yet to be announced.
