Visit Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub on Blurpalicious.com
Though economists have suggested the Coachella Valley may be more than a year from beginning to recover from the recession, the desert restaurant scene is starting to grow again, with millions of dollars in investments just as season arrives.
Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub is one of many diverse entertainment, pub, bar, restaurant offerings opening up soon in Palm Springs. Visit them onli...
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Investors see a growing appetite for restaurants - Desert Sun, October 30, 2010
http://www.mydesert.com/article/20101030/BUSINESS02/10300320/Investors-see-a-growing-appetite-for-restaurants
Though economists have suggested the Coachella Valley may be more than a year from beginning to recover from the recession, the desert restaurant scene is starting to grow again, with millions of dollars in investments just as season arrives.
Tried-and-true valley businesses are expanding or relocating. New entrepreneurs and national restaurant chains are moving in.
Five Guys Burgers and Fries is planning to open its first valley outlet in La Quinta soon. Bananaz is expected to reopen, this time in Rancho Mirage after years in Palm Desert. And newcomer Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub is under construction in Palm Springs.
“To me, it's a sign of light at the end of the tunnel,” said Michael Estrada, who owns and runs Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro in a building that overlooks the bustle of tourists on Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.
Esmael Adibi, director of the Anderson Center for Economic Research at Chapman University, said the recession has provided some of the necessary ingredients for small businesses to start. Costs of leasing, labor and capital have become much more affordable.
“Usually at the earliest stage of recovery, the small businesses see opportunity,” said Adibi, who compiles The Desert Sun's quarterly economic index.
“If they have a unique niche, they can be there for a long period of time,” Adibi said. “Usually as the economy improves, they should prosper with the economy.”
And investors, who are confident of the resiliency of the valley's $1 billion hospitality market, are snagging choice property that's available in high-traffic locations throughout the valley, including the former Riccio's in Palm Springs and Chart House site in Rancho Mirage.
Posh districts such as El Paseo, which recently added several new stores, are welcoming new restaurants as well.
“All this investment is wonderful,'' said Sara O'Flynn, marketing director of The Gardens on El Paseo and El Paseo Village. “It compliments the mix of restaurants we already have on our properties.
“It's a shot in the arm to all the merchants and restaurants to know we have growth in our community — a good sign.”
But the restaurant business can be risky, valley restaurateurs say. About 50 percent of new restaurants fail within the first three years.
“The business isn't getting easier,'' said Lee Morcus, a principle of Kaiser Restaurant Group, which owns and operates several restaurants in the Coachella Valley, including the Chop House and Kaiser Grill.
“The ability to generate revenue, control costs of business execution, adapt to the changing tastes of guests, and hire and train seasoned staff is getting tougher every day.”
For Estrada, the decision to shut down The Falls Steak House in La Quinta and sell The Falls location next to Matchbox in Palm Springs has been a bittersweet lesson in checkbook economics.
“The numbers weren't penciling out,'' he said.
Estrada turned the keys over to the new owners of the Palm Springs establishment a few weeks ago and will continue to run Matchbox.
“The steakhouse business is tough to be in right now,'' he said. “Palm Springs is challenging enough because of the seasonality of it.”
When one factors in the presence of two other strong steakhouse ventures and the economy, it was time to move on.
“We were fortunate to find a buyer,'' he said. “We were glad to hear all but one employee was rehired.”
Jerry Keller, who was part of the team that owned and ran Piero's Acqua Pazza in The River at Rancho Mirage, said the new economy is driven by price within each category of dining — from casual fare to gourmet.
“I think the valley is going to continue to grow and, if a restaurant does the right kind of job, keeps at it and is consistent, they'll do very well here.”
As for all the new investment, he said understanding why it occurs is simple.
“It's a very entrepreneurial business,'' he said. “It's a romantic business. And it's tough.”
Keller is so confident in the economy that he bought out his restaurant's partnership and now offers a breakfast menu.
Morris and Gloria Salem have followed Keller's affordable lead. They're transforming The Falls in La Quinta into The Flame at Happy Point.
It will feature Brazilian barbecue, Japanese hibachi, American bar and grill cuisine, and an “endless happy hour” of cocktails and appetizers.
They said they've sampled fare and happy hour specials at many valley venues to come up with strategies.
“I feel, today, people are tired of being gouged on price,'' Morris Salem said. “Our goal will be to give customers what they want at the best price we can; the restaurants that close have not adapted to what I call the new economy.”
Recent resurgence began in spring
An early sign of a restaurant resurgence came in the spring.
The long-shuttered Dominick's restaurant in Rancho Mirage, where Desi Arnaz and the Rat Pack hung their hats, was reshaped into the Crab Pot Seafood Restaurant and Bar. That gives the eatery two valley locations — the other in Old Town La Quinta.
“We're doing good — better than expected because of the economy,'' said Wendy Price, manager of Crab Pot, which alone carves out 75-80 new jobs in season.
“We're getting a lot of repeat business now, so that's a good thing,'' she said. “We're in a great location, and we have a feeling that when the snowbirds come back in town, it'll be gangbusters.”
Le Paon Restaurant, long operating along Highway 74, reopened on El Paseo as well.
Antoine Babai, director of operations, runs the reopened venue with brother Eddie as executive chef and proprietor.
“We are sensing from consumers a positive spirit going forward,'' Antoine Babai said.
“Someone's got to do it. We cannot go on blaming the economy or the government forever.”
Buying, leasing become affordable
After living in the desert for seven years, the Salems sold a teppanyaki barbecue restaurant they ran inside Harrah's Casino in Reno for more than 25 years to buy The Falls' building in La Quinta and live out their dream.
“We were tired of leasing,” Gloria Salem said. “We wanted something of our own.”
Affordable real estate prices helped the Salems achieve their dream.
But buying isn't for everyone. Leasing remains an affordable option for savvy restaurateurs.
Leases in architecturally significant spots such as the old Chart House are going at great rates.
Bob Hughes, a broker and owner of Hughes Properties in Palm Springs, said the new Bananaz site was leased at a rate of $1 per square foot.
“Leasing is down about 30 percent,'' Hughes said.
“The proprietors are getting much better rates than three years ago and all the landlords know it, so they're getting competitive to keep businesses in their spaces.”
The long-shuttered Riccio's restaurant, with its sun- bleached frescos on the wall, is expected to open this fall as Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub. The four-partner investment team is banking on the promise of a better tomorrow.
“You have to strike while the iron's hot,'' said Rick Lamb, chief executive of the new Palm Springs venue.
Though economists have suggested the Coachella Valley may be more than a year from beginning to recover from the recession, the desert restaurant scene is starting to grow again, with millions of dollars in investments just as season arrives.
Tried-and-true valley businesses are expanding or relocating. New entrepreneurs and national restaurant chains are moving in.
Five Guys Burgers and Fries is planning to open its first valley outlet in La Quinta soon. Bananaz is expected to reopen, this time in Rancho Mirage after years in Palm Desert. And newcomer Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub is under construction in Palm Springs.
“To me, it's a sign of light at the end of the tunnel,” said Michael Estrada, who owns and runs Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro in a building that overlooks the bustle of tourists on Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.
Esmael Adibi, director of the Anderson Center for Economic Research at Chapman University, said the recession has provided some of the necessary ingredients for small businesses to start. Costs of leasing, labor and capital have become much more affordable.
“Usually at the earliest stage of recovery, the small businesses see opportunity,” said Adibi, who compiles The Desert Sun's quarterly economic index.
“If they have a unique niche, they can be there for a long period of time,” Adibi said. “Usually as the economy improves, they should prosper with the economy.”
And investors, who are confident of the resiliency of the valley's $1 billion hospitality market, are snagging choice property that's available in high-traffic locations throughout the valley, including the former Riccio's in Palm Springs and Chart House site in Rancho Mirage.
Posh districts such as El Paseo, which recently added several new stores, are welcoming new restaurants as well.
“All this investment is wonderful,'' said Sara O'Flynn, marketing director of The Gardens on El Paseo and El Paseo Village. “It compliments the mix of restaurants we already have on our properties.
“It's a shot in the arm to all the merchants and restaurants to know we have growth in our community — a good sign.”
But the restaurant business can be risky, valley restaurateurs say. About 50 percent of new restaurants fail within the first three years.
“The business isn't getting easier,'' said Lee Morcus, a principle of Kaiser Restaurant Group, which owns and operates several restaurants in the Coachella Valley, including the Chop House and Kaiser Grill.
“The ability to generate revenue, control costs of business execution, adapt to the changing tastes of guests, and hire and train seasoned staff is getting tougher every day.”
For Estrada, the decision to shut down The Falls Steak House in La Quinta and sell The Falls location next to Matchbox in Palm Springs has been a bittersweet lesson in checkbook economics.
“The numbers weren't penciling out,'' he said.
Estrada turned the keys over to the new owners of the Palm Springs establishment a few weeks ago and will continue to run Matchbox.
“The steakhouse business is tough to be in right now,'' he said. “Palm Springs is challenging enough because of the seasonality of it.”
When one factors in the presence of two other strong steakhouse ventures and the economy, it was time to move on.
“We were fortunate to find a buyer,'' he said. “We were glad to hear all but one employee was rehired.”
Jerry Keller, who was part of the team that owned and ran Piero's Acqua Pazza in The River at Rancho Mirage, said the new economy is driven by price within each category of dining — from casual fare to gourmet.
“I think the valley is going to continue to grow and, if a restaurant does the right kind of job, keeps at it and is consistent, they'll do very well here.”
As for all the new investment, he said understanding why it occurs is simple.
“It's a very entrepreneurial business,'' he said. “It's a romantic business. And it's tough.”
Keller is so confident in the economy that he bought out his restaurant's partnership and now offers a breakfast menu.
Morris and Gloria Salem have followed Keller's affordable lead. They're transforming The Falls in La Quinta into The Flame at Happy Point.
It will feature Brazilian barbecue, Japanese hibachi, American bar and grill cuisine, and an “endless happy hour” of cocktails and appetizers.
They said they've sampled fare and happy hour specials at many valley venues to come up with strategies.
“I feel, today, people are tired of being gouged on price,'' Morris Salem said. “Our goal will be to give customers what they want at the best price we can; the restaurants that close have not adapted to what I call the new economy.”
Recent resurgence began in spring
An early sign of a restaurant resurgence came in the spring.
The long-shuttered Dominick's restaurant in Rancho Mirage, where Desi Arnaz and the Rat Pack hung their hats, was reshaped into the Crab Pot Seafood Restaurant and Bar. That gives the eatery two valley locations — the other in Old Town La Quinta.
“We're doing good — better than expected because of the economy,'' said Wendy Price, manager of Crab Pot, which alone carves out 75-80 new jobs in season.
“We're getting a lot of repeat business now, so that's a good thing,'' she said. “We're in a great location, and we have a feeling that when the snowbirds come back in town, it'll be gangbusters.”
Le Paon Restaurant, long operating along Highway 74, reopened on El Paseo as well.
Antoine Babai, director of operations, runs the reopened venue with brother Eddie as executive chef and proprietor.
“We are sensing from consumers a positive spirit going forward,'' Antoine Babai said.
“Someone's got to do it. We cannot go on blaming the economy or the government forever.”
Buying, leasing become affordable
After living in the desert for seven years, the Salems sold a teppanyaki barbecue restaurant they ran inside Harrah's Casino in Reno for more than 25 years to buy The Falls' building in La Quinta and live out their dream.
“We were tired of leasing,” Gloria Salem said. “We wanted something of our own.”
Affordable real estate prices helped the Salems achieve their dream.
But buying isn't for everyone. Leasing remains an affordable option for savvy restaurateurs.
Leases in architecturally significant spots such as the old Chart House are going at great rates.
Bob Hughes, a broker and owner of Hughes Properties in Palm Springs, said the new Bananaz site was leased at a rate of $1 per square foot.
“Leasing is down about 30 percent,'' Hughes said.
“The proprietors are getting much better rates than three years ago and all the landlords know it, so they're getting competitive to keep businesses in their spaces.”
The long-shuttered Riccio's restaurant, with its sun- bleached frescos on the wall, is expected to open this fall as Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub. The four-partner investment team is banking on the promise of a better tomorrow.
“You have to strike while the iron's hot,'' said Rick Lamb, chief executive of the new Palm Springs venue.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Top 10 Reasons why you will LOVE hanging out at Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub.
Top 10 Reason
why you'll love hanging at
Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub in Palm Springs!
9. BREAKFAST SERVED ALL DAY / ALL NIGHT! Click here to check out our menu.
8. Coldest beer in the valley! Our frosty beer on tap: Guinness, Bass, Murphy's, and our featured beer of the month (just to name a few).
7. Over 50 savory items on the menu + desserts, and a wide variety of cocktails, beers and soft drinks. There is something for everyone on our menu.
6. Lassie Jo's "Best damn Karaoke show", every Tuesday night. Play games, win prizes, sing your self silly!
5. Everyday we feature happy hours throughout the day on your favorite beers, cocktails, and specialty drinks. (Hint: Bloody Mary's just $2.00 everyday till 11am) Check Out! our daily happy hours here.
4. 12 JUMBO flat screens featuring: Sunday and Monday Night NFL football games, college football games, NASCAR, soccer matches, shows, and more. Check out our event calendar for what’s going on today/tonight.
3. Sunday night is dinner at Dickie's! Your choice of corned beef or turkey dinner (3-course meal)...only $8.95 per person.
2. Did we mention the food? So delicious appetizers, entrees, desserts, and breakfast, at an affordable price! Check out our "affordable eats" menu selection and prices.
1. Everyone is welcomed like a friend! Gay or straight, green or purple, Pittsburgh or Dallas fan, Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub is a pub for EVERYONE. Come today, to relax and enjoy a cozy, Irish-inspired environment.
2155 North Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.
North Palm Springs, on Highway 111.
Between Vista Chino and Racquet Club.
Hours of operation are: 7am to 2am everyday
Breakfast is served all day!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Dickie O'Neal's wanted the real facts about Village Fest closing down during the holidays.
A rumor was going around Facebook that the Palm Springs City Council was going to close down Village Fest for the holidays.
Dickie's wanted the straight facts and asked members of city council what the deal was. Apparently, the rumor isn't true. Keep reading.
This is what they replied.
I just wanted to share the following information with you to put your mind at ease regarding the 2 dates in question in December. Per Vicki Oltean, there will be no VillageFest on November 11 (Veterans Day) & 25 (Thanksgiving). There will be VillageFest (weather permitting) every Thursday in December. Due to furloughs and holidays, employees for FV will be on overtime on Dec. 23rd & 30th.
Sincerely:
John Morris Office Volunteer for Councilperson Foat
www.dickieoneal.com
Dickie's wanted the straight facts and asked members of city council what the deal was. Apparently, the rumor isn't true. Keep reading.
This is what they replied.
I just wanted to share the following information with you to put your mind at ease regarding the 2 dates in question in December. Per Vicki Oltean, there will be no VillageFest on November 11 (Veterans Day) & 25 (Thanksgiving). There will be VillageFest (weather permitting) every Thursday in December. Due to furloughs and holidays, employees for FV will be on overtime on Dec. 23rd & 30th.
Sincerely:
John Morris Office Volunteer for Councilperson Foat
www.dickieoneal.com
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub as featured in October 2010 issue of Palm Springs Desert Life Magazine.
As seen in Palm Springs Life Magazine
In North Palm Springs, an Irish pub will replace one of the few remaining nods to old palm Springs: the original Riccio's Italian Restaurant. The Mediterranean-inspired building that housed Riccio's Italian Restaurant at the corner of Via Escuela and Palm Canyon Drive for decades is transforming into Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub. And from the look of the all-too-happy leprechaun peering out from a banner stretched across Riccio's recognizable Italian street-scene mural, it promises a good time.
In addition to pints and drafts, Dickie O'Neal's will serve Irish fare, such as corned beef and cabbage, Shepherd's pie, and fish and chips.
Workers are still laboring on the old building, But according to the pub's website, www.dickieoneal.com, it's opening this month, or as one harried electrician professed - not soon enough!
Visit us on YOUTUBE to watch our transformation from Italian to Irish!
Bar Shopping
The northern end of Palm Springs comes alive this fall with two new venues appealing to wildly diverse tastes.In North Palm Springs, an Irish pub will replace one of the few remaining nods to old palm Springs: the original Riccio's Italian Restaurant. The Mediterranean-inspired building that housed Riccio's Italian Restaurant at the corner of Via Escuela and Palm Canyon Drive for decades is transforming into Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub. And from the look of the all-too-happy leprechaun peering out from a banner stretched across Riccio's recognizable Italian street-scene mural, it promises a good time.
In addition to pints and drafts, Dickie O'Neal's will serve Irish fare, such as corned beef and cabbage, Shepherd's pie, and fish and chips.
Workers are still laboring on the old building, But according to the pub's website, www.dickieoneal.com, it's opening this month, or as one harried electrician professed - not soon enough!
Visit us on YOUTUBE to watch our transformation from Italian to Irish!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Where will you get your "Irish On?"
Our friends have taken the time to submit a picture of where they are getting their "Irish On" around the US and the globe. Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub invites those that purchase an official Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub Tshirt to submit their images to us - showing where they are "representing" our main man,
Dickie O'Neal. Submit your images today at dickieoneal@gmail.com or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dickieoneal. Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub of Palm Springs is located at 2155 North Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs, California. Visit us online at www.dickieoneal.com!
Check out where our friends have been with their souviener Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub T-Shirt. Available at Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub! 2155 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 325.2600.
Dickie O'Neal. Submit your images today at dickieoneal@gmail.com or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dickieoneal. Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub of Palm Springs is located at 2155 North Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs, California. Visit us online at www.dickieoneal.com!
Check out where our friends have been with their souviener Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub T-Shirt. Available at Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub! 2155 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 325.2600.
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| Get your "Irish On" at Dickie O'Neal's |
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Week 8: Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub is ready to open!
Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub of Palm Springs is ready to open any day now. With a few modifications, we'll soon be ready to open our doors to our awaiting friends and guests.
We're still on track for opening October 2010!
Visit us online at www.dickieoneal.com to check out all of our "magically delicious" specials and events.
We're still on track for opening October 2010!
Visit us online at www.dickieoneal.com to check out all of our "magically delicious" specials and events.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub
Want free grub and grog?
Join our Birthday Club for a free entrée on your birthday and... just for signing up, receive $5 in Dickie bucks™ to come visit us (one certificate per email address).
As always there are certain rules…
You will only be able to sign up once.
Upon redemption, we will ask you to verify who you are with your driver’s license.
Only one gift certificate per email address.
The gift certificate is not good for taxes or gratuities.
It expires eventually, check yours to know when.
You must bring in the gift certificate to use it. The dog ate it does not work, although we will feel sympathetic for a moment…for the dog.
Not valid on carryout.
Our Promise
Dickie O’Neal’s Irish Pub will not sell or distribute your email address or personal information to any third parties.
This information will be used for the sole purpose of providing you with information about Dickie O’Neal’s Irish Pub.
Sign Up Now!
www.dickieoneal.com
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Week 7: Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub Construction Transformation
As seen on YouTube!
Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub of Palm Springs will be launching their Grand Opening in less than 2 weeks. Our amazing construction transformation is captured on video as we show our accomplishments in the last seven weeks.
Come hang out at our authentic Irish Pub for Sunday and Monday night football and all the sports you love to watch on our 12 big screens.
Visit our website at www.dickieoneal.com to see what's going on throughout the week, our happy hours throughout the day, and our full drink and food menu.
We look forward to serving you real soon! Come get your "Irish On" with us.
Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub of Palm Springs will be launching their Grand Opening in less than 2 weeks. Our amazing construction transformation is captured on video as we show our accomplishments in the last seven weeks.
Come hang out at our authentic Irish Pub for Sunday and Monday night football and all the sports you love to watch on our 12 big screens.
Visit our website at www.dickieoneal.com to see what's going on throughout the week, our happy hours throughout the day, and our full drink and food menu.
We look forward to serving you real soon! Come get your "Irish On" with us.
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