Ed’s Tavern hopes to open in Lake Norman next month.

The longtime neighborhood bar and grill is renovating the former Galway Hooker space at 17044 Kenton Drive in Cornelius, according to permits. The Irish pub closed earlier this year after a 20-year run.

“We have people that come to Ed’s from all parts of Charlotte as well as the lake area, so we’ve been actively looking for our third location,” says Mike Morelli, director of operations. “We love that the area is continuously growing. We look forward to being a great option for people.

He says Ed’s has received nothing but positive feedback from the community thus far. Morelli is optimistic the tavern could open by the end of October.

Renovations are ongoing, and there are still some materials outstanding such as garage doors, he says. Permits for the project were issued in late June. Gais Construction is the general contractor.

Changes include removing the building’s interior half walls and adding brick to the walls. The bar top and hardwood floors are being refinished, with new lighting fixtures installed.

The space will have a patio. A second floor will make it possible to cater private events.

“You can expect a classic neighborhood bar feel, very similar to our Dilworth location, with good service, daily specials and a great vibe,” Morelli says. “We have awesome patios outside and a comfortable atmosphere inside.”

Expect sports-bar vibes. Morelli says there will be roughly 20 televisions, with all the sports packages available.

Ed’s will dish up a menu of starters such as Chili Cheese Pub Chips and Boom Boom Shrimp, as well burgers, tacos, sandwiches, soups and salads. Sides include fries, onion

1/25/24, 1:23 PM Ed’s Tavern eyes October opening for Cornelius location – Charlotte Business Journal

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rings, mac and cheese, chips and cucumber salad. There’s also a late-night menu with items such as popcorn chicken and Southwest Egg Rolls available.

Twenty craft beers will be on tap with local options as well as specialty cocktails and wines served by the glass. Ed’s signature Mimosa Towers are planned as well.

The original Ed’s location is at 2200 Park Road, in the heart of Dilworth. The establishment dates to 1935.

Morelli says that patrons should expect an old-school neighborhood bar that isn’t trying to be fancy. The focus is on good food, drink specials and events such as music bingo and trivia.

“We think that you’ll soon be an Ed’s regular,” he says.

Lance and Tina Blundell bought Ed’s in 2014. They also operate FreeMore Tavern in Wesley Heights.