Welcome to the 5th addition of “Getting Know“sey” with local, independent business. I am a strong supporter of independent businesses, I happen to work for one, as well! Each month, I will feature a different business, my goal is to introduce you to new places within our community and I do hope you will support these and other local, independently owned businesses in your neighborhood.
This month we travel to Ireland, I mean Ballard to meet Billy Whelan, owner of 2 bars: The Old Pequliar and The Old County.
Before moving to Seattle, Billy spent 15 years in the bar business. In Ireland, bar keeping is an honored career that requires an apprenticeship. After moving to Seattle, Billy continued his career as a barkeep and in 2018 when the opportunity to buy The Old Pequliar came up, he embraced the opportunity. That went so well, that in 2019 when another opportunity in Ballard presented itself, Billy and his partners decided to open another bar, The Old County.
The Old County was undergoing a major remodel with the plan of a grand opening on March 17 (St Patrick’s Day), 2020. All bars were closed on March 16, 2020. The Old County was not to be opened as planned. During the lockdown, they were able to continue decorating and putting the finishing touches on the remodel. The “OC” as it is referred to is where I met with Billy and his wife Shannon to ask the same questions, I have asked of the previous business owners in this series. Here are the answers:
(K) What are your top sellers:
(B) At the Old County, the chicken wings. At the Old Pequliar, drinks!
(K) What is your favorite thing about running these businesses?
(B) It is fun! I meet new people, I work with good staff, and everyday we are sharing people’s event’s whether it is enjoying a sporting game or a gathering of friends. There are few jobs where you are part of everyone’s celebrations.
(K) How has COVID impacted your business?
(B) COVID hurt, we were shut down for the good part of a year. It was especially hard for the Old County as a new business. We are here for the long haul and look forward to making new friends and clientele.
(K) Is there anything else you want the readers to know?
(B) The Old County is the ULTIMATE sports bar and has ALL the sports packages. If you want to watch a game, collegiate or pro, you can do it here. We can show up to 13 different events at the same time.
Old County Bar: 5811 24th Avenue NW, Seattle www.oldcountybar.com
Sports and wings. Every game, every day. Get in here and watch your team crush it, or get crushed and drink the pain away.
The Old Pequliar: 1722 NW Market St, Seattle www.oldpeculiarpub.com
Just a good local Ballard Irish Pub. Whether you’re just out for a beer, to watch a game or to meet up with friends you will always feel welcome and at home at the O.P. Come check us out. Our motto is: “You might enter as a stranger but you leave as a friend.”