LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — An Irish pub is no place for quiet times, but that's what McMullan's has been reduced to ever since the novel coronavirus forced owner Brian McMullan to close his doors for the first time since they opened in 2002.
"We have never been closed for one minute in 17 years. It's a huge economic decision for us," said Brian McMullan.
To put it in perspective, COVID-19 has cost McMullan his biggest money-making month in March, including the single busiest day for his business, by far.
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"Keep St. Patrick's day in mind because you should take three weeks money on that one day. It's the day you pay your bills. I lost money in March. How can you lose money in March running an Irish pub?" said McMullan.
As a result, 16 staffers who work the front of the house at McMullan's have been without a job.
"We're very close to our staff, and they're not here, the front of the house, because they get minimum wage and they rely on their tips. So, there's no point in them even being here," said McMullan.
While there have been no pints to pour, the kitchen staff has been picking up the slack, filling pickup and delivery orders of house favorites like Irish nachos and fish and chips. On Good Friday, McMullan's offered a special deal on its famous fish and chips, selling three pieces of fish for the price of two to help locals who are struggling economically.
"The people who eat here know our food and they love our food and when we offer those deals, because they can't eat-in and get that atmosphere, they'll come running, or they're starting to in many more numbers," said Ross McMullan, general manager of McMullan's Irish Pub and son of Brian McMullan.
McMullan's is also offering an Easter weekend gift card giveaway. Every to-go order over $25 will get a gift card to McMullan's worth anywhere from $5 to $100, for use when McMullan's reopens for regular business.
"We love to give away the house, but to people who we consider friends and family, so people who are loyal to us and people who love us. And that's what it does for them. It allows them to come back when ready, but they get a bit of a break," said Ross McMullan.
For more information and to view the menu at McMullan's Irish Pub, click this link.
Meanwhile, Above The Crust is going above and beyond, keeping all three of its Las Vegas locations open and donating dozens of meals to local firefighters, supermarkets, and hospitals.
"They are on the front lines of it all right now. They're risking their lives day in and day out, as they normally do, but now it's an increased risk, and we just want to be there and support them in any way we can. For us, that's food, feeding people," said Ashley Barkin, social media marketing manager at Above The Crust.
Above The Crust also plans to provide Easter dinner for ten families in need in the Las Vegas Valley.
"We just wanted to do something to give back to people that really need it. We know the whole city kinda needs it right now, so we thought it would be fun to hear from our customer base and see who they wanted to help out that way," said Barkin.
For more information and to view Above The Crust's menu, click this link.
