About Us
Irishman's Shanty...
began with proud Irish owners Bud and Gladys O’Boyle in 1945 right after World War II. The original structure was only a metal sided building located in a residential area on the corner of Main and First Avenue South. It was run down and had previously been a small market. The O'Boyle's opened with only a bar, banquet room (where current off sale is), and kitchen. They put in a giant shamrock in the bar ceiling in 1949 and opened a drive-thru in 1956. After Bud died of cancer in 1958; Gladys kept the business going herself for the next 18 years. She closed the drive thru in 1958. In 1969 Gladys decided to add an off sale but changed her mind and added a dining room. From 1969-1972, the dining room had entertainment every night. Along with fine food, there was live entertainment, dancing, and sing-alongs every night. The entertainment stopped after one of the performers came in intoxicated one night and Gladys kicked him out. The performer was part of a union and Gladys refused to pay. That was the end of that. Gladys decided she had had a good run and and sold the business to Jean and Polly Strem in 1976. The existing banquet room and dining room bathrooms were added in 1977, along with other updates. Much of the look of the Irishman's Shanty today was put in by the Strem's. Although they enjoyed running the business and were very successful, they sold it to Jim and Carol Gregg in 1979. In 1984, Paul Gregg partnered and then bought the restaurant in 1987 from his brother and sister in law. Paul has been general manager, main chef, and owner ever since. The Greggs have Irish heritage.
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