O’Gara’s Bar and Grill, a St. Paul institution for more than 75 years, will not re-open, its owners announced Sunday night.

Owners Dan and Kris O’Gara announced plans in September 2018 to temporarily close the bar located at the southeast corner of Selby and Snelling avenues and long known as a favorite spot for Reuben sandwiches and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations for generations of families.

The O’Garas, who sold the longstanding property for $4.5 million to the Minneapolis-based Ryan Cos. in Oct. 2018, originally planned to reopen a downsized version of the bar on the ground level of the multistory apartment building being built on the site of the former O’Gara’s. He said the Ryan Cos., which had worked closely with the family on a lease arrangement, will have to find a new tenant.

“It is with sadness that we share the news that we have decided not to reopen the original location,” said Dan O’Gara, the third generation of his family to own the bar. “This decision was made after considerable reflection and analysis. My wife Kris and I understand how disappointing this will be to our longstanding patrons and staff. We want to thank everyone for the loyalty and joy that the neighborhood has shown us throughout the years.”

Assistant General Manager Laura Henricksen says it’s a tough time for small businesses nationally and locally too — Bibelot, Wild Onion, Creative KidStuff, and now O’Gara’s — and city could do more to help, such as tip credits. “I haven’t seen the support the last few years.” pic.twitter.com/eocUB5hRRt — Frederick Melo, Reporter (@FrederickMelo) November 4, 2019

The O’Garas will continue to operate their Minnesota State Fair location during the Fair and other special events. In addition, they will still do catering. At a media event held Monday by the State Fair site, Dan O’Gara said 50 employees will be impacted by the decision, though his workers had found other jobs during the construction, or left the industry.

He said he mapped out a 15-year business plan for O’Gara’s but saw financial trouble by years five or six, which he blamed on city mandates such as paid sick leave and citywide minimum wage increases, state and local property taxes, and the state decision to allow micro-breweries to both serve beer on their premises and distribute it to restaurants and retailers.

“Ultimately, the changing regulatory environment and increased competition from taprooms made re-entering the market in St. Paul financially untenable,” Dan O’Gara said. “The developer Ryan Companies, as well as other St. Paul establishments and businesses, were exceptional partners as we attempted to find another solution. We look forward to focusing our efforts on our State Fair location and reconnecting with our customers throughout the year.” Related Articles Minneapolis man pleads guilty to torching University Avenue business during May unrest

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Dan O’Gara said after an “emotional year,” he made his final decision within the past two weeks, and shared the news in a phone call with St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter. He declined to elaborate on that conversation except to say it was personal.

Frederick Melo contributed to this report.