Business Q&A: Mulcahy's Pub & Concert Hall

Open for more than four decades, in Wantagh has become a hotspot for nightlife, sports, live music and private events for patrons all across Long Island. Executive assistant Courtney Klapper gave Patch an exclusive inside scoop to the success that is Mulcahy's.

When did Mulcahy's first open?

Mulcahy's first opened on January 15, 1965 as a small, quaint Irish Pub.

Who is the owner of Mulcahy's?

John Murray is currently the only owner of Mulcahy's. He is from Wantagh. He has lived in Wantagh since 1995 and formerly resided in North Bellmore.

How did Murray enter this business?

In June of 1983, the past owner of Mulcahy's handed the keys to John Murray and said, "It's yours." It's been an uphill adventure from there.

How has Mulcahy's grown as a business on its own and within the Wantagh community?

Mulcahy's has had two major expansions and we are currently working on a small kitchen extension. In 1990, the building was expanded to the south, and in 1994, the former Andy's Luggage building was transformed into what we call Mulcahy's today.

We always enjoy community support and feel indebted and obligated to the Wantagh community to perform at a high integral level. We have grown with the community by being involved in events such as the Snowball Run and other community fundraisers and benefits. We are an active member of the community and enjoy being involved as much as we can.

What services does Mulcahy's offer?

Mulcahy's offers live music, DJ and club nights, private parties and catering, unparalleled sports viewing, celebrity appearances, national acts and more. We host many live radio and television show appearances hosted by Mike Francesa from the WFAN and YES networks and just hosted a season opening 9/11 show [Guests] can expect to see a couple of additional live shows hosted by Mr. Francesca this fall on Sundays.

What is so great about operating a business like Mulcahy's in Wantagh?

One great thing about operating Mulcahy's in Wantagh has to be the people you come to meet and the long term quality relationships that you build. It is a great feeling to be a part of such a generous community. Another great thing about being in Wantagh is that we are able to give back by hosting fundraisers and benefits and feel that our relationship with this town is 100 percent mutually beneficial.

What keeps customers coming back?

We present a good product at a good price in a good facility where everyone can come in and feel welcomed. Our summer Monday night party "Out of the Weeds" has become the number one Monday night party in the summer. Our Sunday night and Monday night football events provide customers with 20 big-screen televisions, as well as a full menu.

Our Friday nights keep customers coming back because we offer a variety of different services throughout the evening from a happy hour with a complimentary buffet, to live bands and a late night dance party. Our Southbar Saturdays attract people from all over the island because of the top notch entertainment we provide including DJ's, celebrity hosts, light shows, sound system and unbeatable drink specials. We often hear that once people come and visit Mulcahy's they can't imagine going anywhere else.

What are some specials/promotions for the upcoming fall season?

Some special events to look out for are our line up live shows with Mike Francesa in October, November and December, a big benefit with the , and many more promotions, fundraisers, benefits and party nights. All of our upcoming events, specials and promotions are posted on our website and our Facebook.

How does the Wantagh location compare to the Mulcahy's in Centereach?

It is hard to compare one location to the next. Both of these locations have their own unique attributes. Mulcahy's of Centereach has a 3,000 square foot outdoor patio while Mulcahy's of Wantagh is a larger venue inside and has a capacity of 1,200 people. One thing that both locations are within 20 yards of a McDonald's, so it seems that the Big Mac brings us good luck.

Mulcahy's will host guitar great Tim Reynolds for a live performance Nov. 30 and John Theissen's Childrens Foundation Holiday Gala Dec. 1.