BALLSTON LAKE>> A historic Irish pub will soon reopen with a fresh start on a longtime Ballston Lake business.

Carney’s Tavern, located at 17 Main St. in Ballston Lake, is set to reopen soon after a brief hiatus. The restaurant has been closed since Easter.  

Matthew Finnigan, who has a background in the restaurant world, has been sole owner of the business since November 2013. Finnigan is now taking over the day to day operations as well as full management of the pub.

“My wife Stephanie and I simply love this place and the people,” Finnigan said in a press release. He has also served as bartender, entertainment scheduler and as “Matty Finn” the Thursday night guitarist and vocalist at Carney’s. “The people of Ballston Lake welcomed us from day one and made us feel right at home, so much so that we now reside within the community.”

Finnigan intends to bring the “tavern feel” back to Carney’s, much like it had been when Rosemary and the late Bob Carney operated it for 30 years, but with a freshened look and attitude. He’s reinstating a few of the popular menu features that Carney’s patrons have loved for decades.

The new menu will have a focus on casual pub food including appetizers, sandwiches, salads and traditional bar food with a bit of a nod to full dinners. Finnigan promises crocks of his own award-winning chili. His version of veal and peppers is sure to hit the weekend specials menu from time to time as well.

Finnigan says he can’t put an exact date on the reopening but stated it will be soon and that a grand reopening celebration is already being discussed for late summer or early fall. Much needed new heating and air conditioning has to be designed and installed, new kitchen appliances and bar stools are on order and the kitchen is being professionally deep cleaned.  

“We started working on basic spring cleaning and became aware that there were things that we needed to attend to sooner rather than later,” Finingan said in the release. “The scope of work has slowed us down but we’re progressing steadily.”

“We’re tackling the most urgent, but doable, hurdles by ourselves in order to get re-opened as soon as possible,” he continued. “My business plan includes a set of priorities that we can get to more quickly if we could interest investors to come forth to help preserve and protect this 175 year old building.”

Additionally, he’s bringing back the pool table, opening up the loft, and refreshing a small private dining room.

The Finnigan’s are retaining some of the Carney’s staff, but are accepting applications for part-time line cooks and waitresses.  A new head cook and adjusted business hours are in the finalization stages.