Hennessey'sPRPortfolio

firms in the city it became clear to me that I wanted to be back in California. I took the
management position with Victoria’s Station and worked for them for a few years,
moving around California and helping them establish various new restaurant locations.
When I was asked to open a new Victoria’s Station in Torrance, California I
decided it might be time to branch out on my own. At this point Victoria’s Station had
become very corporate and I had always wanted to own my own place so I began
looking for the right spot.
I opened the first Hennessey’s Tavern in Hermosa Beach, California in 1976. It
was only 1500 square feet and consisted of deli sandwiches and a bar. I was also the
only employee for 9 months. I worked 7 days a week as bartender, chef, busboy and
waiter until I could afford to hire help.
My first restaurant was very underfunded but it had charm and eventually
became a success with the locals and the tourists and just two years later I opened my
second restaurant in Redondo Beach, California. Since then I have established a new
restaurant every couple years.
I built the Hennessey’s brand from nothing, and today it still has the same
characteristics and values of Irish hospitality that it did in 1976. I saw the need for nice
gathering places with relaxing environments and that is still what I aim to create. I treat
my staff and guests like an extended family and believe that keeping my restaurants in
these local communities has allowed me to be so successful.
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