A few months ago, it appeared that two of the most popular Irish pubs in the Boston area might open back up this fall after being closed due to the pandemic. Now we have learned that this won't be happening.
According to a press release, The Kinsale in downtown Boston and The Asgard in Cambridge's Central Square will not be reopening, as they have both shut down for good. The release explains the decision, saying the following:
With the pandemic ongoing, office buildings at low occupancy, chronic labor shortages, challenging governmental directives and an uncertain economy, the decision has been made to permanently close popular Irish pubs The Kinsale and The Asgard. Both establishments were shuttered in March 2020 as part of the COVID-19 lockdown. In September 2020 an attempt was made to reopen, but with office buildings largely empty it proved unfeasible and the pubs ceased operations after four weeks. While the intention was always to reopen, the timeframe proved to be too daunting. Weeks turned to months, and the months dragged on. Both establishments were lucky enough to have cooperative landlords, but in the end even that, and PPP assistance, were not enough. “A huge part of our customer base is office workers. They went home last March, and they haven’t come back -- at least to the extent that it’s feasible to run a business,” said Peter Sarmanian, President of Classic Restaurant Concepts, LLC.
The Kinsale first opened in 1998 while The Asgard debuted in 2001, with both pubs being designed in Ireland.
[Earlier Article]
The Kinsale and The Asgard Remain Closed Indefinitely; September Openings Appear to Be a Possibility
[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]
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