Family trying to save 29-year-old business

Lawrence and Patricia Wojdyla are putting in every last effort to save their 29-year-old Irish tavern in downtown Lombard.

A fundraiser planned for Sunday will be their first major public attempt to keep the business afloat.

The troubled economy and rising gas prices started to slow down the Glen Ellyn couple's business, Flaherty's Beef and Brew at 418 S. Main St.

But the statewide smoking ban that went into effect on Jan. 1 made the biggest impact.

"When the no smoking hit, it just drove my business into the ground," Lawrence Wojdyla said. "I've been in business for 29 years, and this is the worst I've ever seen in my life."

Since then, the bar's monthly earnings have been down more than 20 percent. As a result, the Wojdylas fell behind on their rent payments. On July 1, they temporarily shut down the bar.

The goal of the event planned for 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday is to raise enough money for the couple to weather the storm. The fundraiser will feature bands, singers, auctions, men's haircuts and snacks.

"Right now, everything is just so up in the air," said Chrissy Wojdyla, Lawrence and Patricia Wojdyla's daughter. "We're trying to keep ourselves afloat and pay some of the bills so we don't go completely under."

If the family doesn't pay sales taxes and renew the liquor license by Aug. 1, Lawrence Wojdyla said his business is done.

The bar opened in 1979, before Chrissy Wojdyla was born. She says it's always been like her home.

She describes it as a Cheers-type establishment.

"I'm really worried about my family," Chrissy Wojdyla said. "I'm hoping that we can get ourselves back into the business, be able to improve upon it, improve our customer base and improve our income."

If the family does raise enough money this weekend, Lawrence Wojdyla's got plans to cut back on hours of operation, lower expenses and restructure the business.

"There's no lunchtime business anymore because people gotta put that money in their gas tanks," Wojdyla said. "It's killing us."

He hopes for the pub to be open from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily with family members all the hours.

However, he's also open to exploring other options.

"I'm looking for answers," he said. "Even selling the business might be an answer."