KJ Farrell's to close after 15 years
Live-music venue KJ Farrell's Bar & Grill in Bellmore is closing this month after 15 years. Credit: Jeff Bachner
KJ Farrell’s Bar & Grill in Bellmore will close later this month after 15 years of presenting live-music shows, the venue announced Wednesday on its Facebook page. The club-size destination on Pettit Avenue cited the past two years of COVID-19 restrictions as the cause.
“Everything has an expiration date and it’s time. We are at the end of our lease and fell behind during COVID,” said owner Kevin Sheehan. “During the pandemic there was no live music. We were trying to do ‘to-go’ service, dealing with 25 percent occupancy, then 50 percent occupancy, time curfews, on and on. We weren’t making our rent and tried the best we could.”
Sheehan, who also owns and operates The Warehouse in Amityville, 89 North in Patchogue, Prohibition in Massapequa Park, The Local Tavern in Levittown and East on Main in Mattituck, said he had a difficult time getting financial aid from New York State’s Paycheck Protection Program.
“We got a small amount in the beginning [$38,000], which went right to our landlord. But we still struggled for a year and a half,” said Sheehan. “We couldn’t get anything more and we applied for everything, everywhere but they just refused us.”
Even with COVID-19 restrictions lifted, Sheehan said the crowds have not returned in full force.
“We went from having live music seven nights a week to four nights a week, Wednesday through Saturday, with half the amount of people in the crowd because not everybody is back,” Sheehan said. “I think 20 to 30 percent of the people have learned to do things differently by having backyard parties or simply staying to themselves and not going out.''
Farrell’s will present a string of final shows during the next 10 days.
Classic rock band Wonderous Stories returns Wednesday and May 11 playing two sets from 8 p.m. to midnight. Rockjunky heads up live band karaoke Thursday and May 12. Cover bands That 70’s Band and MYXD Order headline Friday, while Damn Good Time Band and the Whiskey Crows play Saturday. Vinyl Revival and HI DEF take the spotlight May 13, then 70s Rock Parade and FiveStone close out the place May 14.
“We appreciate all the support from the bands and our customers over the years. Plus, thanks to our staff running through the past couple of tough years with us,” said Sheehan. “It’s just been a struggle. But, I’m proud of what we’ve done over the past 15 years.”
In September 2020, Amityville's Revolution Bar & Music Hall closed permanently, also citing pandemic restrictions.
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
