Molly Brannigans, 101 Adams Ave., Scranton, was three years in to a five-year contract, and six months in to a renewed five-year lease which began in March, when it closed its doors.
A restaurant in downtown Scranton has closed its doors, according to the Scranton Parking Authority.
Bob Scopelliti, executive director for the Scranton Parking Authority, said on Tuesday that the restaurant Molly Brannigans, 101 Adams Ave., Scranton, was three years in to a five-year contract, and six months in to a renewed five-year lease which began in March, when it closed its doors.
Scopelliti said that Molly Brannigans had “difficulty paying rent” and the contracted rent was lowered from $8,815 a month to $6,000.
He said that the business was behind on rent, and on August 1, Molly Brannigans was contacted because Scopelliti said “no payment” was received since May.
“They had the end of the month to decide (what they were going to do)” Scopelliti said.
However, when he called the business this morning because of an unrelated disturbance - a window had been smashed in the front of the building sometime between Sunday and Monday - Scopelliti said that he learned that Molly Brannigans had made its decision today.
Scopelliti said he called the company to “find a manager…(to discuss) work on the window.” That’s when the company’s CEO Colm McWilliams informed him the restaurant in Scranton was “done” as of Tuesday.
McWilliams could not be reached for comment on Tuesday.
“I blame it on the economy,” said Scopelliti. “We were working; we tried to work it out with Colm.”
Now, however, authorities will be working on getting the money.
Scopelliti said “three to four” businesses have inquired about leasing the space, though he wouldn’t provide details or couldn’t say when he hoped to have a new tenant.
“We’ll have to let it all play out,” said Scopelliti.
According to the corporate Web site, Molly Brannigans also has locations in Cleveland, Ohio, and Erie, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh. A new restaurant is also scheduled to open soon in Las Vegas, Nev.
