Earlier Wednesday evening, I learned that Whiskey River, on Old World 3rd Street, closed (I'll have more on that later today, once I hear from owner John Shemitas). Later, on the way home from Summerfest, I learned that Mollica's Pub, 4631 W. National Ave., has closed its doors, too.
Owner John Mollica explained his decision to close the doors on the bar's Facebook page:
"Mollica's Pub closed 6-30-11, With the building up for sale and the cost of repairs needed to bring the refrigeration system up to date I decided to call it quits.
The stress of a 61-year-old man running a one-person business started to give me health issues (blood pressure) which retirement will relieve lead to my decision.
Let me thank you all for 33 years (1978) of Mollica's Pub was a BLAST"
In the meantime, Mollica is selling one of his popular shuttle buses to interested bar owners. The other will run from The Jack Bistro, 4823 W. National Ave. Also for sale are the bar's various neon signs and other bar equipment and furniture.
I have a call out to John Mollica and I'll update with more information once I hear back.
