Shamrock to stay open
By Rochelle Moore
Published in News on January 29, 2017 12:31 AM
Full Size
News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
New owners of The Flying Shamrock, Cameron and Chris Yones, pose for a photo Friday night. They will take over as soon as permits come through and plan to make only minor changes to the business for now.
A little bit of nostalgia and an interest in keeping a successful downtown business alive led Chris Yones to enter into a purchase agreement to buy The Flying Shamrock Irish Pub and Restaurant.
The Flying Shamrock, originally planned to close this week, will remain open, with the new owner taking over the reins in February.
Yones, a Goldsboro resident who retired from the Air Force in 2013, reached a purchase agreement with co-owner Wayne Turner on Wednesday.
"The Shamrock has been a staple in the community for a while," Yones said. "I knew that I was inheriting a good business. They're a part of the downtown family of the downtown community."
The Flying Shamrock will keep its name, menu, trivia nights and overall business model. The future owner also plans to learn about the annual St. Baldrick's Foundation fundraisers, with an interest in continuing the tradition.
Being a part of the downtown community and involved in supporting revitalization efforts and other initiatives is also important, he said.
Yones said the Flying Shamrock brings back a lot of good memories.
"It's kind of a feel-good thing for me, as well as a business opportunity," he said. "When I first got stationed here, it was one of the first bars, pubs I went to."
It was also the place where he met his wife. The Shamrock reminds him of familiar European-style pubs he visited while stationed in England.
Yones first talked with Turner about buying the business 18 months ago but the purchase price wasn't workable, he said.
More recently when he learned about the pending closing, he resumed negotiations.
"My heart just sank," he said. "I just don't want to see a staple removed. The Shamrock has been a contributing factor in the community, and I didn't want to see something like that removed. I want to continue the tradition of helping the local community."
Turner will continue to own the business until a tentative date of Feb. 14. Yones is waiting to receive his Alcoholic Beverage Control permit before taking complete ownership.
If there is a delay in receiving the ABC permit, the business may close for about a week, he said.
"Right now, we're trying to do it as seamlessly as possible," Yones said. "There's no intent of closing the door, if we can prevent it. Overall, for the clientele coming in there, they won't even notice a difference."
A comedy show once a month may be added, and new Diamond professional-grade pool tables will replace the two currently inside the business.
During the next year, an expansion may take place into the second floor where four more Diamond pool tables could be added.
The retired Air Force staff sergeant was part of the weapons troop of the 336th Aircraft Maintenance Unit within the 4th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.
He is also working with his father, who has owned a bar for more than 30 years. Yones more recently worked as a business analyst. His main focus is on operating the business.
"I have decided I am going to dedicate myself to the Shamrock and its legacy," he said.
The Flying Shamrock, at 115 N. John St., has been open in Goldsboro since 2007.