Kieran Folliard leaves pub business--don't panic!

Tony Nelson

Folliard sold his bar business to focus on whiskey.

In the past few months, the Twin Cities' most famous Irish face, pub owner Kieran Folliard, has been launching several other food and beverage businesses. First, there was the Green Ox meat company he started with charcuterie king Mike Phillips, and then, his new whiskey brand, 2 Gingers, made in Ireland and bottled in Minnesota by Phillips Distilling.

This week, Folliard announced that he sold his share in the pubs he co-founded, the titular Kieran's Irish Pub and the Local in Minneapolis, Cooper in St. Louis Park, and the Liffey in St. Paul.

The move was made, the Star Tribune explains, because liquor laws don't allow distillery owners to also own retail outlets. For Folliard to take 2 Gingers to liquor store shelves and beyond this fall, he had to cut ties to his bars.

The good news is that Folliard's longtime business partner, Peter Killen, another Irishman, has taken over operations, so few changes will be in store. Though Folliard joked that Killen may consider changing the name of Block E's Kieran's.

Previous Coverage
Kieran Folliard expands his Irish empire
Mike Phillips and Kieran Folliard launching Green Ox meat co.