Suds O’Hanahans: A Place for Good Company, Fun Times

By Meaghan Ziemba
 

In 1994, Tom Hankins met with his cousins, Tom and Terry Monahan, to discuss his dream of opening a place in Beloit, Wis., where middle-age blue- and white-collar workers could gather after work, and relax with friends over drinks and good conversation. A location was found downtown and on Oct. 1., 1995, the city was introduced to Suds O’Hanahan’s.

At the time of the opening, Suds was surrounded by small shops and businesses of local entrepreneurs; and Beloit Corporation (a capital equipment manufacturer for the paper-making industry) had hundreds of employees. 

"I wanted to open a place that marketed towards middle-age and working groups, that provided a meeting place for friends, family, and co-workers," Tom Hankins explained. "I picked an Irish theme because of my Irish background."

The spacious bar offers a beverages, including an array of American and Irish beer and popular brands of whisky. Suds can satisfy every customer’s thirst.

The front has two entrances: the main door on the left, and the patio door on the right. Customers can also enter through the rear where the restrooms are located. 

Inside, Suds is separated into two parts, divided by a single step. The lower level has a wrap-around bar, making it convenient for all customers to place their orders no matter where they are seated. Along the wall to the left is a bar bench, so customers who are standing and mingling have a place to set their drinks. A dart board, pool table and shuffle board table are located on the upper level

Both small and large groups of customers can be accommodated. 

The upper level also provides the stage for live entertainment. During the day, customers can enjoy hot and cold deli-style sandwiches, including the always-popular Reuben. 

Besides being just a bar where people can congregate and drink, Suds also sponsors pool and dart leagues, and offers transportation to Milwaukee Irish Fest and other sponsored events. Hankins also sponsors trips to Ireland once every year to two years. "The trips are fun for meeting new people, making new friends, and catching up with old ones," Hankins explained. "They also provide a great learning experience for those who have never been there."

Hankins closes Suds on major holidays because he is a strong believer in spending time with his family. For Christmas, specific entertainment is provided throughout the holiday week, and New Year’s Eve is means a festive party. 

St. Patrick’s Day is huge at Suds, with green beer and Irish entertainment. The bar is packed with happy customers dressed in Irish get-ups. Wedding rehearsals, showers, birthdays, and graduations are also welcomed at Suds. "We can cater or people can bring in their own supplies. We even had a casket in here once," Hankins laughed. 

"It’s in my will to have my casket in here as well," he added proudly.

Although there is many other bars in Beloit, patrons who love Suds
agree that it offered a different feel. Jim (Coach) Faragher has been coming to Suds since its opening, stating, "Here you get a good mix of people."

"There’s a sense of camaraderie, friendship, and no SOBs‚" agreed Jeff Bonomo, another long-time customer. "Here you find young and old, and everyone gets along with each other. It’s comfortable and everyone is friendly," he pointed out.

With this sort of atmosphere, Suds fulfilled Hankin’s original intentions of producing a gathering place for friends and family. Every year around the holidays, students returning home find their way to Suds to meet up with former classmates. 

"Suds is a reunion place," Eric Stein explained. Stein, who started coming to Suds with his parents, liked the bar’s relaxed feel and the generational mix.

"My parents have been coming here for years, even before I was 21. They were even here when I turned 21. I even know some people whose grandparents still come here," he said.

Kristina Kolden also came to Suds with her family, and eventually got a job as one of the bartenders. Now at Suds for six years, Kolden emphasized, "Everyone is friendly, and the staff is fun to work with. We all treat each other like family. This is my fun job."

The staff greet every customer with a smile, not hesitating to add to the conversation because they know every regular by name and drink. This closeness makes everyone feel like part of the Suds’ family. 

"Those who come here don’t like or want any trouble, so everyone looks out for each other and helps prevent any trouble from occurring," Hankins said. 

Although Suds is an American bar with an Irish theme, it definitely emphasizes the strong bonds between family and friends as exemplified through Irish heritage. For anyone looking for good company, fun times and great memories, Suds is more than happy to welcome them to the clan
 
 

For more information: Suds O’Hanahan's, 433 East Grand Ave., Beloit, Wis. 53511 (608-368-1933)