Pocono News Section

New Restaurant Named to Take Over Molly's Site

New Restaurant Named to Take Over Molly's Site - Monday, October 26, 2009 at 5:35PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Monday, Oct 26, 2009 @ 05:35pm EDT
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- After weeks of rumors and speculation, we finally know what business will fill a downtown Scranton landmark.

Molly Brannigan's closed its doors weeks ago. But it won't be that way for long. City leaders have kept which business is coming here very quiet.

This morning they made the announcement. The owners of KildareÕs, which is just one block away will open a second restaurant here and itÕs going to have a Mexican menu.

For weeks the doors have been locked and the lights off inside the old Molly BranniganÕs restaurant in downtown Scranton.

Monday we learned the owners of nearby Kildare's plan to take over the space. They'll open a second restaurant called Mexicali Blue Cantina and Grill."

Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty said, ÒThey've been so excited and happy with the success they've had they wanted to open a second restaurant in the downtown."

Eyewitness News broke the news to people downtown. Many are excited to see something new. Tim Kelly said, ÒAny new business for the downtown is good for the city. The city needs its downtown to thrive in order to move forward and come out of the doldrums of the past."

The owners of Molly BranniganÕs blamed the bad economy for having to close their restaurant.

Mayor Chris Doherty thinks the right business can be successful. ÒWe had tremendous interest right from the start. Over seven restaurants had contacted us but we liked this proposal the best because they already had stake in the neighborhood," he added.

The new restaurant is expected to have a menu that's different from their Irish pub right down the street. Many say they'll give it a shot. Joseph Nolan of Pittston said, ÒI just wish the best for them. I hope to see somebody succeed and hopefully better Scranton I guess.Ó

Right now the owners of Kildare's operate another Mexicali Restaurant in the southeastern part of the state.

As for when it may open, it will probably take several months to renovate this building.