Incoming owners of Hennessey’s in Morristown aim to keep casual, friendly vibe

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A lot of rumors have been flying around about the future owners of Hennessey’s Washington Bar in Morristown. Paul Haley wasted no time Wednesday shooting down the hottest speculation:

“The Walshes are not involved,” he said flatly, referring to the family that owns three bars and two more liquor licenses in town.

Hennessey's in Morristown is changing hands after 30 years.
Hennessey's in Morristown is changing hands after 30 years.

Paul and business partner Kimberly Flynn, both of Morris Township, are in the process of closing on their purchase of Hennessey’s.

The Morristown council expects to consider the liquor license transfer next month; if all goes well, the new owners could take over just after New Year’s and reopen the Morris Street establishment by early March, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.

They plan to continue the laid-back ambiance that has made Hennessey’s a favorite gathering spot for nearly three decades.

“We’re looking to keep it that way,” said Paul, 47, whose family owns The Depot gift shop, the Paradise women’s fashion shop and the Baby Crossing infant clothing shop in Harding.

Don’t expect to see any headlines about overly boisterous young revelers, in other words.

“We’re not looking to be a nightclub. We’re hoping we will draw a crowd that doesn’t want to be in that scene… people who want to come in and relax, have a drink, a bite to eat and talk to friends,” said Paul, whose father, “Bucky” Haley, grew up in Morristown with Jim Hennessey and played basketball with him.

Paul and Kimberly have spent three years wooing Jim, a history buff who would have celebrated his 30th anniversary at the tavern by the train trestle on Jan. 1.

Jim, whose wife Anne passed away two years ago, told MorristownGreen.com that he intends to devote himself to his grandchildren and to projects involving local Irish history.

“He’s a sweetheart of a guy. We love him to death. Everyone in town loves him to death. He’s probably the most well read guy I know. We will pay homage to Mr. Hennessey somewhere in the bar,” said Paul, who has three grown children and unwinds by backpacking on the Appalachian Trail.

The new owners plan to update the tavern’s decor and the menu.

“We’re looking to elevate the experience a little bit, but not elevate the prices,” said Paul, promising “food you can’t get anywhere in Morristown.”

While majoring in accounting at American University, Paul worked in restaurants and bars and enjoyed the experience.  As a shopkeeper, he considers himself in the hospitality business. Owning a neighborhood pub is an extension of that, he said.

“We’re really excited,” said Paul, who has spent many evenings at Hennessey’s with his wife Shelly.

Patrons should be happy with the tavern’s next incarnation, he said. Though not quite ready to divulge its new name, Paul was happy to dispel another rumor:

“It won’t be Haley’s Comet,” he said.

 

 

 

2 COMMENTS

  1. I hope that any changes made will keep in mind and respect that this establishment has a core of long-term “regulars” that consider Henney’s as a central aspect of their lives – a place to meet-up with friends and family, a place to make new friends, and a place where locals can feel comfortable in their own town without all the drama that comes with the non-locals at the South Street bars. Change is fine and important, it is a part of life, but respect for the importance of the “locals bar” is equally important. What also makes this place important are the people that work there. These people are Henney’s, if those wonderful personalities are lost, then this is no longer just a management transition, this is starting from scratch, which I have my doubts will result in great success. Hoping for the best. P.S. Keep the name or something very close, the brand has value.

  2. welcome…..how super to have a local ,take the top hat of such a famous Morristown establishment, and a wonderfull businessman with his depot history and his wife shelly, congrats and welcome to the Morristown business family, chef melody owner the main event by melody 80 Washington street.

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