Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Fairfax City’s popular Irish pub and restaurant, The Auld Shebeen, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. And both a houseful of enthusiastic customers and City officials were there to mark this special occasion.
“We’re here to recognize The Auld Shebeen as a wonderful, community business,” said Tara Borwey,
Entertainer Brian Gaffney singing and playing guitar.
“When I started working for this City, I quickly learned that you could hardly come across a person who didn’t have a story about The Auld Shebeen,” said Borwey. “People have shared so many wonderful memories with me about the times they’ve spent here. [They range] from their college days to bringing their children here, and we’ve certainly gathered here for our own community events. I’ve loved seeing this place filled with so many people getting to enjoy it for all these years.”
She then had co-owners Dominic “Domo” Keane and Mick Boyle join her onstage and recognized other distinguished guests, including Fairfax Mayor Catherine Read, City Councilmembers Billy Bates and Anthony Amos, Old Town Fairfax Business Assn. Executive Director Tina Disch, Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jennifer Rose, plus Fairfax Economic Development Director Chris Bruno and other FCED members.
“Most restaurants don’t make their fifth anniversary – that’s just the fact,” Read told the owners. “And here you are, 20 years, and your business is thriving. And it’s because you’ve created a community where people want to make memories here with you. The fact that you have live music and have embraced the Irish culture and brought it to our City is really important.”
She noted that, over the past two decades, multitudes of people have celebrated graduations, birthdays and myriad other occasions at The Auld Shebeen. “You’re more than just a restaurant and a business,” said Read. “You’re a place where people can make memories that matter to them, and they’ll always [be grateful] that you created this here.”
She said the first time she was in their building at 3971 Chain Bridge Road in downtown Fairfax was in 1981. “It was [called] Oliver’s then,” said Read. “I came to look at George Mason University because I was transferring there and had never seen the campus. So the first meal I ever had in Fairfax City was in this building. I later took my kids here when it was the Black-Eyed Pea and they were in highchairs – and then came along The Auld Shebeen.”
Read also thanked the restaurant for being “such a great community partner. You provide space for all kinds of groups and organizations to gather. That’s really important because it’s hard to find space – and you all do such a good job. You serve great food and have a wonderful staff. You’re warm, you’re welcoming, and the doors are open to everyone.
“And that’s one of the reasons you’ve been in business 20 years and why our community values what you bring every single day.” Then, gesturing toward all the customers, she added, “I’m sure everyone here joins me in rewarding what these gentlemen have brought to Fairfax City.”
After more applause, Jennifer Rose took the mike. “I’m definitely one of the presidents of The Auld Shebeen’s fan club,” she said. “I have a little Irish in my heritage, and there’s nothing like their beef stew on a cold, winter’s day. We’re thrilled to be celebrating their 20th anniversary.”
“We do our annual, holiday mixer here,” she continued. “And if it doesn’t happen here, it doesn’t happen at all. It’s a much-beloved tradition of the members of the Central Fairfax Chamber. You guys are so accommodating; you’ve swept in at the last minute and turned yourselves inside out to make events happen for us. And we’re grateful and just looking forward to the next 20 years. Congratulations!”
Next to speak was co-owner Dominic Keane. “As everybody’s said, our pub here is really about family, community and making relationships and friends over the last 20 years – and it’s been our absolute pleasure. We have a lot of long-time relationships. I look out there and I see people I’ve known for [two decades].
“I see [renowned singer and guitarist] Brian Gaffney, who’s played music for us for 20 years, keeping the Irish culture going every Friday and Saturday night, and it’s just so important to us. It’s a great day with a long night. We’re going to be celebrating downstairs later on. Somebody mentioned stories about The Auld Shebeen, and I’m sure, if you stick around ’til closing time, there’ll be a few more tomorrow.”
Co-owner Mick Boyle, a man of few words, simply expressed his “thanks to everybody in the community – including the Mayor and Council – for showing up.” He also said how much he appreciated the restaurant’s staff members for everything they do.
Then Read presented the owners with a plaque. It read: “Thank you for two decades of exceptional service, dedication to quality, and commitment to our community. Your continued success has made a lasting impact on Fairfax City and beyond.” Afterward, Gaffney took the stage and performed a set of Irish songs.
“I can’t believe it’s 20 years,” said Keane following the ceremony. “It’s quite an achievement for us. The best part is the relationship we have with our staff – both front and back of the house. We even have former staff members, who were with us for 15 years, coming back tonight to celebrate with us. Some are coming from as far away as New York.”
He also gave “a huge thank you to the community and customers for their support, all these years. We couldn’t do it without them.” When asked the key to his success, Keane said, “The biggest lesson for us is working side by side with our staff, on a daily basis. And during the pandemic, the City, community, and [Fairfax City] Economic Development really stepped up, helped us and supported us through that period.”