Brennan's Colony to Close in Cleveland Heights

Brennan’s Colony to Close in Cleveland Heights

Source: Mats Silvan / Getty

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio– A staple on Cleveland Heights’ Lee Road, Brennan’s Colony’s decades’ long history will come to an end this weekend, when the business closes its doors for good.

Kathleen Murphy is Colony’s president. “You can’t manage a place and not work it. So, nobody in the Brennan family was going to manage it. I have a full-time job; I couldn’t manage it,” Murphy said.

Murphy was also the longtime girlfriend of owner Jim Brennan.

Brennan, 61, was shot and killed during an attempted robbery inside the restaurant two years ago; three men are now serving time for the murder.

Richard Wise has been the kitchen manager for 20 years and fondly remembers the man who he called friend.

“His smile. When he laughed, he had a very beautiful smile,” said Wise.

While Brennan’s Colony may be closing its doors, loyal patrons will be happy to know the new ownership is also a major part of this establishment’s history. A former longtime employee of Brennan’s Colony, and current owner of the nearby Tavern Company Chris Armington has purchased the Colony and will relocate his operation there.

Cleveland Heights resident Rachel Colosimo said, “I think it’s great to keep it going. I know Tavern is another neighborhood staple so it’s great to hear that they’re taking it over.”