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Tryon business closes doors because of COVID-19

 

TRYON—McGourty’s Pub in Tryon has officially closed.

The pub was a staple in Tryon for the last several years to eat and drink. The pub included food and spirits, live music, karaoke and a weekly trivia night.

McGourty’s opened in 2013 by owners Pete and Cindy Viehman.

The pub was a lifelong dream of Pete, whose great-grandfather opened a McGourty’s Pub in Ireland in the late 1880s.

McGourty’s announced its permanent closing last week, saying they have not seen customers since St. Patrick’s Day this year. The state shut down bars in March and it could be another several weeks before they are allowed to reopen.

“It is with heavy hearts and tearful eyes that we have to share with you a difficult decision that we’ve made this week and that is that we will not be able to reopen McGourty’s,” the pub announced last week. “With the pandemic keeping us closed for almost 3 months now and bills continuing to come in regardless, we have many commitments that’s making it a financial hardship to reopen.”

The pub said it has applied for assistance and some came through, but most they do not qualify. There is no outdoor seating at McGourty’s and restaurant owners said with limited space inside, they cannot get by with only 50 percent seating. They also said food prices are soaring and availability to some items has become a challenge. There is also still no live music and entertainment allowed indoors.

“We are heartbroken for our wonderful staff who were just about to release a new menu, and have been very busy creating fun and unique activities for the pub,” the owners said last week. “They truly cared about you and about making McGourty’s a fun place for friends to gather.”