The Dubliner - Forced To Close

One locally-owned Irish restaurant has been a landmark and focal point a small part of the Cincinnati community since the day it opened its doors. The Dubliner is literally unique at a time when corporate-owned chain restaurants are taking over the landscape. It's a gathering place for music, food, and a glass of beer – and host to everything from community council meetings to wedding receptions. And it has been the anchor business in the small commercial district at the heart of Pleasant Ridge neighborhood.

Now the commercial real estate company that owns the property plans to evict the Dubliner. The owner, Mike Kull, has negotiated for weeks to stay open, at least until St. Patrick’s Day. But unless a miracle takes place this cherished restaurant will go dark permanently on Friday January 20th.

Why is this happening? Certainly the restaurant business is unforgiving, and competition is fierce. Early last year The Dubliner was forced to begin closing on Sundays and Mondays to deal with a fall-off in business volume. And everyone in Cincinnati is familiar with the demographic trend of growth in the outer exurbs. Restaurants like the Dubliner are competing against Applebees and The Macaroni Grill in Westchester and Mason. These corporate-backed giants offer the same experience from coast to coast, and people are willing to wait for hours to get a table.

This is a case study in the balance between neighborhoods and the marketplace. The success or failure of a mega-chain restaurant will have an impact on the profitability and shareholder value of the commercial enterprise that owns the property. But the closing of the Dubliner impacts Kull's family, who live down the street, send their kids to school around the corner, and have played an indispensable role in contributing to the success of the neighborhood – including giving help to art centers, local churches, and other small businesses.

In spite of the apparent finality of the situation, people in Pleasant Ridge are doing everything possible to prevent this from happening. They are petitioning Dan Neyer, the real estate owner, to do whatever possible to help The Dubliner during this difficult time. We should be concerned about Mike Kull and his family. Unless our vision for America consists of nothing more than strip malls and sub-developments we desperately need good neighbors like these in our communities.

And at the very least please stop by The Dubliner this week for one hell of a party.

Note that this item has been cross-posted at The Cincinnati Beacon, a local indie media site.