'It's been my dream forever.' Conner Flynn's, new Irish pub, opening in downtown Woodruff

Van Broad got the courage to open an Irish pub after the death of his wife. He was sitting around trying to figure out what to do with his life, and his children encouraged him to follow his dream.

And after two years of planning and construction, the dream is almost a reality. Conner Flynn's is a new Irish pub at 137 S. Main St. in Woodruff. Plans are to open the week of Oct. 9.

Customers will notice the restaurant emphasizes Irish themes with red and green colors and a casual dining experience.

New Irish Pub Conner Flynn's is set to open

"I had been working, and it's been my dream forever to open an Irish pub," Broad said. "I would always tell my wife that … I would open an Irish pub. When she died unexpectedly, I was floundering and trying to figure out what to do."

His wife, June, died in August 2021, and with support from his children, Broad dedicated the restaurant to his late wife and how they met. Conner was his wife's maiden name, and the couple first met on Flynn Street in Charleston.

When Broad told his friend, Kyle Friar, he wanted to open the pub, Friar helped Broad find a team of trained chefs and other business partners.

Sergio Briceño, one of Broad's business partners and partner of Maverick Biscuit, said they all worked hard to create an authentic and eye-catching menu featuring Irish bangers and mash, Irish stew, pot roast and cabbage, fish and chips and more.

"I'm a strong believer in everything that we do," Briceño said. "We make everything from scratch, we don't cut corners, and we do what needs to be done. Our menu is traditional and Irish but with a modern twist. Every dish that we cook and create is done with love."

Broad said the restaurant atmosphere will be fun and friendly and include aspects from his team and him.

"You can't have one [aspect] better than the other. They all have to be excellent," Broad said. "It's the little details in the decorations, the detail in the menu, and we all have a role to play here. We all brought each of our life experiences to the table."

Broad and his team are anticipating the opening of Conner Flynn's and cannot wait to share their story and hard work with the rest of the Upstate.

"It means a lot to me to help someone fulfill their dream," Briceño said. "He (Broad) came to me and told me his story. It's why I got so involved in it."

Joanna Johnson covers trending topics and community news for the Herald-Journal Reach her at jjohnson@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Opening Irish pub in Woodruff is the owner's dream becoming a reality.