[Finnegan's Wake via Luis Fernando Rodriguez]
Ah, the luck of the Irish. Not sure if it's been running good or bad for Finnegan's Wake pub co-owner Chuck Volz, who confirmed that the 17-year old stopover for politicos and popped collar polo preps alike is under agreement. Did Volz want to sell the now-closed property?
Anytime National Geographic Traveler's Magazine named Finnegan's Wake as one of the top 10 must see places in Philly (according to Finnegan's Wake), along with the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, then you know there was some pride of ownership there. It would seem like an unlikely desire for departure of the owners from the property.
It was listed for $3.9 million, and sold to an investment group.
The Finnigan's Wake website appears to still be up, and says that "it is hard to remember a time when it was not an integral part of the City of Brotherly Love." And that Benjamin Franklin himself thought of an authentic Irish pub in the area now known as Northern Liberties. Well done, Franklin. You may not have invented the Internet, but this is almost just as good.
Other fun facts to reminisce about the pub (unless you're wishing it a good riddance under your breath):
The second floor was a shrine to Civil War memorabilia, dedicated to both the Irish 69th Brigade and Abraham Lincoln.
According to pub management, 65 couples met each other for the first time there. They also reported recovery of over 5,000 missing credit cards since they'd opened. Apparently, none of those cards were used to pay toward the need of funds that the sale may have satisfied.
Famous figures had checked out the scene, according to Finnegan's Wake themselves: The Wolfetones, Cranberries, Thin Lizzy, Clancy Brothers, The Irish Tenors, Lords of the Dance, Violent Femmes, the Nerds, Smokin' Joe Frazier, members of the Flyers, Sixers, Eagles, Phillies, and the riproaring partiers in the closing party of the Republican National Convention of 2000.
If you miss the pub, take solace in reminiscing with other worthy items of the same name: the James Joyce novel, and the Irish drinking song.
The most important question: will the beautiful Spring Street facade retain its joyful brigade of colorful shops? Hope so.
·Sale pending for Finnigan's Wake [Philly.com]
·Did NoLibs Nightmare Bar Finnigan's Wake Find a Buyer? [Eater]
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