Sláinte! Cheers!
They raised a glass to the Whelan family in Washington this weekend and wished them well.
The occasion was to mark closing time for one last time for Patrick, Regina and Vincent Whelan as the family have decided to sell one of the most popular and successful Irish restaurants and bars in the United States.
‘James Hobans’ in Dupont Circle Washington DC has over the past decade and more became the most popular hostelry with politicians, the diplomatic corps, the assembled media and international airline personnel.
It is renowned for its hospitality, quality of service, menu and beverages. Billed as ‘Washington’s Irish Crossroads’ the restaurant and bar has won numerous awards.
‘James Hobans’ has also been known as the venue for the occasional sing-song and party not least around the St Patrick’s Day festivities when the Irish descend en masse to the capital.
The restaurant bar in the heart of Washington was also the location of choice for many visiting Irish political and business delegations led by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The proprietor Patrick Whelan or Paddy as he is more commonly known to his friends back home is originally from Stradbally and built-up the thriving Washington establishment from scratch.
“After 12 exciting, successful and happy years trading in Dupont Circle, we have decided to accept an offer from the Missing Group to sell James Hobans. When we opened James Hobans 12 years ago our goal was to present many of the best aspects of Irish hospitality in a modern setting.
“It is for others to judge whether we achieved this, but for as long as we have been here we have become the first port of call for so many Irish and other visitors to DC including a great number of politicians, diplomats and journalists.
“We have also been fortunate to have been patronised by so many embassies, organisations, institutions and groups from many different countries and for all this we are most grateful.”
Paddy Whelan, who grew up in Stradbally first went on to qualify as a solicitor and barrister before turning his hand to the hospitality sector. He is extremely well known and popular in Ireland and the US in businesses, legal, media, political and social circles.
While the family are selling ‘James Hobans’ they are still maintaining a strong presence in the States in their other two restaurants, The Bards in Philadelphia and O’ Faolain’s in Sterling, Virginia.
Regarding departing Washington Paddy said this week: “Most of all we are grateful to the large number of regular customers who have been the bedrock of our business. We will greatly miss these friends and customers. We will also be sad to say goodbye to our loyal and excellent managers and staff who are the greatest asset of any business.”
“While my wife Regina and I now look forward to a little more leisure, we are pleased to confirm that we will continue to own and operate, with our excellent teams, our other two restaurants in Philadelphia and Virginia.
“James Hoban’s will soon be just a memory but us it always be a proud and happy one. Thanks to all of you who made it so,” said Paddy who marked their last day of service at the famed Washington watering hole with a ‘parting glass’ with regulars, staff, family and friends.
Paddy Whelan is originally from Bridge House in Stradbally and remains a frequent visitor to Laois and Dublin, where he has many family and friends.
His parents Vincent (Vinny) and Babs (Quinn) were extremely active in the local community and for years ran a successful hardware store and undertaking business.
Paddy’s uncle, Dr Eddie Whelan was the local GP in Stradbally a practice continued to this day by his cousin Dr Nora Whelan. The Bards pub and restaurant in Philadelphia was Paddy Whelan’s first business venture in the USA back in the early 90’s and remains a popular and thriving establishment.
Paddy Whelan called his Washington premises after the famed Kilkenny architect, James Hoban, best known for designing the White House.
Happy retirement Paddy!
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