Irish eyes are smiling this week in downtown Elkader. Those eyes belong to Tim Finley, husband of Trishia Miehe Finley, father of Jillian and Declan and son of John and Marjorie Finley.
Tim is smiling his leprechaun-like grin from the kitchen of his brand new restaurant, Fennellys’, located on 1st Street near the corner of 1st and Bridge. Fennellys’ (pronounced Fenn-a-lee’s not Finleys) is the name given to the Irish pub in honor of the owner’s ancestors. Tim Finley is the great grandson of William Fennelly who left Ireland in 1890. Upon arrival in America, Will joined his uncle, John who had earlier settled in the hills between Volga and Elkader. John’s name had been changed at the time of his arrival to America; as many surnames were at that time for ease of pronunciation. Tim’s great-grandfather Will followed suit and changed his name, as well, to Finley.
Tim is a 1997 graduate of Central Community School and Trisha is a 1999 graduate. The two began dating in 1995 and were married, ten years later, on a Thursday, in Jamaica, on the exact anniversary of their first date, November 17th. The couple is thrilled to be operating their hometown’s newest hospitality point, in the form of an Irish Pub.
Fennellys’ is rich in Irish tradition; Pictures of the family’s ancestors adorn the green walls of the tastefully decorated comfortable restaurant.
The vision for this pub, which Tim and Trisha will co-operate, has been something Tim has been developing for quite awhile. Simply put he says, “It’s sort of like the Cheer’s concept, ‘where everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came.’ ” He wants everybody to feel welcome at anytime, especially families. “Yeah of course, we have a family so we want families to feel welcome.” The “Just for Little Leprechauns,” section of the menu is loaded with child appealing entree selections at an affordable price. The menu even informs of additional services Fennellys’ is glad to perform like heating baby bottles and warming baby food.
Tim’s mother, Marjorie a bit of a culinary expert in her own right further suggests the word ‘pub’ is short for public house. She says, “All of the wonderful pubs in Ireland are just that gathering places for families and friends.”
She is clearly excited for Tim; glad that his lifelong dream is coming true in such popular and fitting fashion. She remembers a time when Tim as a five year old proclaimed, “Someday I am going to be the chef in my very own restaurant.” Seeing their son’s dream realized, in his hometown of Elkader, makes both of Tim’s parents are unmistakably proud. As John Finley, Tim’s dad greets customers throughout the packed Friday night crowd he says, “Tim makes this look easy. He knows what he is doing back there.”
This dream is not just tied to a five –year-old’s wishful thoughts but also to a 14 year professional development plan. Tim is a professionally trained chef, a graduate of the Des Moines Area Community College Culinary Arts program and Iowa State’s Hotel and Restaurant Management School. He has diligently worked in the hospitality industry since high school, all the while gathering the experience and passion for his love of cooking.
Fennellys’ is a spacious eatery with plenty of tables situated around the massive bar which also encompasses the open kitchen. Tim explains this layout is what he had envisioned. The open kitchen is something he knew would work well for this building and is a style he has always enjoyed working in. “If nothing else it keeps us honest, but more so it gets back to that neighborhood pub atmosphere. While I am busy cooking I might not be able to greet every customer but at least I can wave and say hi instead of being huddled in a backroom kitchen.”
The fare served at Fennellys’ has a traditional meat and potatoes theme with an over arching Irish flair. The four page menu is typically divided into appetizers, soups stews and salad, sandwich, dinner, dessert and beverage section. Every item is creatively and more importantly deliciously linked to the Irish theme. Chef Finley is reluctant to pick a specialty or declare a signature dish because he wants people to walk away thinking everything served in his pub is impressive; however, diners can expect (just to name a few) a great Reuben, burgers, hearty Irish stew, steaks, fish and chips, and other less traditional Irish items like pasta choices and barbeque ribs. The full, robust menu is available throughout the day.
“We hope to be the place where people feel comfortable coming after games, events and meeting. We plan to feed everyone that walks through the door whenever they walk through the door within reason.” Tim explains while the kitchen hours are set, they will extend the kitchen hours when a crowd comes in later in the evening hoping to be served a meal. In addition to the full service restaurant and bar operation, open Monday through Saturday beginning at 11 am; Tim and Trisha also hope to provide a regular entertainment schedule including singer songwriter performances along with DJ’s and karaoke nights.
As the door opens to Fennellys’, Tim is reminiscent of the just completed building phase. He explains family and friends were by the couples’ side as they insulated, plumbed, wired and designed the pub.
Throughout the project Tim and Trisha were careful to implement an environmentally sound plan. They heavily insulated the building, installed low flush toilets and a zero flush urinal and a tankless water heater. He says he wants to be a good steward and hopes Fennellys’ will operate as environmentally sound as possible. “It is not like there is second earth setting somewhere waiting for us to move to, we need to take care of what we have.”
Now that the vast building tasks are complete Tim grins and tactfully explains he enjoyed the building stage, but most of the people near and dear to him think he makes a better cook than a carpenter. Chef Finley is thrilled to be back cooking for the public.
