Grand Rapids Staple Flanagan’s Irish Pub Reveals New Color and Name

Flanagan's Irish Pub in Downtown Grand Rapids has had a rough couple of years. Since previous owners Ben and Martha Penrod retired and new owners bought the pub in 2024, it has been mired in multiple legal issues, including the bank seizing the property and the pub closing after its liquor license was suspended in June 2025.

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But things are turning around for the iconic pub. It's now sporting a fresh coat of paint, a new name, and a new owner who has totally overhauled the inside. Here's what we know.

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. via Facebook

From Irish Pub to Social House

Since last year, Flanagan's has been pretty quiet, but Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. recently shared the first photos of a drastically overhauled Flanagan's exterior. Gone is the dark and golden paint that has adorned the building since Flanagan's opened in 1981.

Flanagan's after and before its paint /Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. via Facebook / Google Maps

As the comments on the post point out, the inspiration for the new exterior seems pretty apparent: the historic Temple Bar in the center of Dublin, a pub that's been open since 1840. It too sports gold lettering and a red exterior. Even if this isn't the source of the red paint, it's a nice homage to the Irish pub.

READ MORE: Veo Replaces Lime In Grand Rapids On September 1st

The new owners also announced the pub will have a new name as part of its efforts to update the pub. It will now be known as Flanagan's Social House and will have new wood flooring and "be able to transform from a daytime restaurant to a nightlife bar", according to WOOD TV 8. The new owners claim it will still be a place to get a Guinness, with a refreshed menu.

Photo by Leonhard Niederwimmer on Unsplash

An exact opening date hasn't been announced, but progress seems steady. I personally can't wait to pop back in for a pint.