Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Video
An announcement was made today concerning the future of the Golden Dawn.
By Kalea Hall
YOUNGSTOWN
John Giannini Jr. and his wife, Carolyn, of Liberty were barside at the Golden Dawn on Tuesday when they heard their spot potentially could close for good after Saturday.
“I feel sad,” John said. “We just enjoy coming down here.”
Video: Golden Dawn Announcement
Like many of the customers, the Gianninis have gone to the Dawn for years. It’s an iconic business that’s been a part of the North Side for 85 years, and Saturday, it could close forever.
The restaurant, started by Mary and Andy Naples in 1932, definitely will be closed temporarily, longtime family and restaurant attorney John A. McNally III said Tuesday. But whether the Golden Dawn will reopen is not known.
A variety of reasons are leading to the temporary closure, including a possible restructuring or reorganization of the business; renovations and repairs to the inside of the property; and to deal with “other issues.”
McNally would not elaborate on those issues, but he was adamant that the temporary closure has nothing to do with the business’s finances.
“We are not playing games,” McNally said. “We don’t know if it will reopen. We honestly do not know.”
The reason for the renovation is to have it ready for a potential buyer if necessary, McNally said.
The Golden Dawn was operated by Mary and Andy Naples’ children, Ralph Sr. and Carmen, for several years. The brothers ran the business into their 90s. They were known for keeping the bar classy by requiring bartenders to wear white button-down shirts with ties and having a “cash or check only” policy for patrons. McNally has represented the restaurant for 28 years, and before that, he represented the late Ralph Sr. and Carmen. McNally now represents the estate of Ralph Sr. and its co-fiduciaries: Ralph A. Naples Jr. and Johnny Naples, two of Ralph Sr.’s children. McNally also represents a majority of Ralph Sr.’s nine children.
“It’s a disappointment for me personally,” McNally said of the closure, temporary or otherwise. “I do believe they will see their 100th anniversary. I am cautiously optimistic.”
Customers come in to enjoy a beer in a schooner glass, a jumbo burger or pizza and to see old friends.
Carolyn and John meet friends and family at the Golden Dawn often. Recently they brought in friends from Philadelphia who likened the atmosphere of the bar and restaurant to the one in the popular 1980s sitcom “Cheers.”
“Everybody knows your name here,” Carolyn said.