Sláinte! Goldsboro's longstanding Irish pub, The Flying Shamrock due to close if not sold
By Rochelle Moore
Published in News on January 25, 2017 12:30 PM
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This 2014 file photo shows the storefront of the Flying Shamrock, downtown Goldsboro's Irish pub due to close by the end of the month if not sold.
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The Flying Shamrock at 15 N. John St., is planned to close Jan. 31, unless a sale is finalized.
The Flying Shamrock Irish Pub and Restaurant is slated to close its doors by the end of January pending any last minute purchase offer for the longstanding, popular downtown business.
Co-owner Wayne Turner has been meeting with at least two potential buyers during the past week, but no formal agreement has been announced.
The downtown business, at 115 N. John St., is planned to close Jan. 31, unless a sale is finalized, according to an early January announcement on The Flying Shamrock's Facebook site.
Turner, a full-time reservist stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, is trying to sell in an effort to spend more time with his family and to focus on his flying career.
"For almost (10) years now, The Flying Shamrock has been a staple in downtown Goldsboro," said Turner, on the Facebook page. "Many of our regulars have become like family to us, and we have loved being in downtown Goldsboro.
"With a heavy heart, I am announcing that, as of Jan. 31, 2017, the pub will officially close its doors unless it is purchased by someone else."
Turner met with two, separate potential buyers last week. One of the offers included a low purchase price, he said.
The business currently plans to have its final Friday night opening this week, with live music by Russ Varnell and His Too Country Band.
Turner and co-owners Crawford Moore and Kathy Turner have been trying to sell the business for more than six months, after posting a for sale sign in the business window.
The Flying Shamrock has been one of the more popular downtown hotspots since it opened in 2007. Within a year, the business expanded and now occupies two buildings and 4,000 square feet of space, at 115 and 117 N. John St.
In addition to offering a wide selection of imported, domestic and microbrewed beers, the pub has live music, trivia nights, and discounted pricing for first responders, including police, fire and rescue workers, and teachers. The Shamrock is well-known for its annual hair-shaving fundraiser and Kilt Run, both of which support the St. Baldrick's Foundation and its efforts to find cures for childhood cancer.
The owners of The Flying Shamrock have been recognized by city officials for their ongoing support and leadership to revitalize the downtown area.
"We are very sad that the Flying Shamrock will be closing their doors, as they were an early pioneer in downtown's once slow, but steady upturn," said Julie Metz, Goldsboro downtown development director.
"The owners helped forge a new market by helping to create after-hour life downtown at a time when there wasn't much else. They created a warm, welcoming business that gave back to the community and became one of the patriarchs of our downtown business family."
Metz said she understands that the personal goals of business owners can change, including Turner's interest to spend more time with family.
"We will miss them but wish them well and thank them for all their hard work, efforts to make downtown better, and their entrepreneurial leadership and spirit over the past (nine) years," Metz said.
The turn-key sale does not include the century old historic building but instead includes all the equipment, furnishings and other interior items, including a 100-year-old piano. Anyone interested in purchasing the business can send an email to: theflyingshamrock@hotmail.com.