Lake Norman

Fate of longtime Irish pub at Lake Norman uncertain after Jan. 1 closing. What we know

A 20-year-old Irish tavern that was built in Ireland and reconstructed in Cornelius at Lake Norman closed on Jan. 1 , while promising to reopen with a new concept.

JOE MARUSAK jmarusak@charlotteobserver.com

“Piper’s Tavern at Lake Norman is closed permanently, and we thank you for being a great guest,” said the message on the tavern’s voicemail this week. “Look out for the new concept this spring.”

An automatic-reply message when the Observer emailed the tavern said Piper’s “permanently closed it doors as of January 1st.”

On Facebook, the eatery says it is closed only temporarily, but offers no details as to what might replace the longtime genuine Irish fare.

Piper’s owner Dan Reynolds said Tuesday that he has “no plans right now” for the former Galway Hooker location in the Kenton Place retail center off West Catawba Avenue.

“When we get to that point, we’ll see,” Reynolds told The Charlotte Observer before declining further comment.

Reynolds renamed the Galway Hooker a few years ago to Piper’s at Galway Hooker, after his late sister.

The tavern offered Irish pub food favorites such as bangers and mash, Galway fish and chips, Irish egg rolls and corned beef and cabbage. More stateside selections included prime rib, shrimp and grits, and quesa-birria pork tacos.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

This story was originally published January 17, 2023 at 1:56 PM.

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Joe Marusak
The Charlotte Observer
Joe Marusak has been a reporter for The Charlotte Observer since 1989 covering the people, municipalities and major news events of the region, and was a news bureau editor for the paper. He currently reports on breaking news. Support my work with a digital subscription
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