Andy Gavin’s Eatery & Pub, a popular bar and restaurant in Scranton’s Green Ridge neighborhood, has been put up for sale.
The establishment at 1392 N. Washington Ave. was listed this week for $950,000.
Donnie Surace, Andy Gavin’s longtime owner, said Friday he decided to sell it as he is getting older — he turns 68 in August and has a young grandson he wants to spend time with — and running it has become harder, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. He said it has become more difficult hiring and retaining employees, and costs such as food and utilities have gone up. In addition, Surace said his two sons aren’t interested in running it.
“I’m getting older and business isn’t what it used to be,” Surace said.
Built in 1903, the establishment operated under names that included Kelly’s and Calpin’s before its eventual namesake purchased it in 1960. Gavin sold the business in 1979, but the new owner decided to keep the name, as did Surace when he bought the bar in 1988 from Daniel McGlynn.
In the nearly 40 years Surace has owned it, he said Andy Gavin’s has gone from a bar to a restaurant and bar, expanding the kitchen and renovating the building — notably the porch area — and added central heat and air, and a glycol refrigeration system. Surace estimates half his sales are food and the other half alcohol, with special events like St. Patrick’s Day and Oktoberfest generating higher alcohol sales.
Over the years, Andy Gavin’s has become a staple for people in the neighborhood within walking distance and a popular place for fundraisers.
Frank Regan, who lives a few blocks away, has been a fixture at the establishment since the late 1970s, frequently walking over with his wife, Lynne Opsasnick, and his dog Louie, a Bouvier and bearded collie mix. Regan said he loves that Andy Gavin’s welcomes pets.
“We always felt welcome,” he said. “Donnie had dogs and he’s always loved dogs.”
After Louie died in September, Andy Gavin’s hosted a fundraiser — LouiePalooza — in the dog’s honor in November, raising $5,500 that went to area animal shelters. Another fundraiser, LouPalooza 2.0, is scheduled for later this year.
“Donnie supports a lot of charities,” Regan said. “Everyone knows if you call Donnie, he will support your charity.”
It is not the first time the restaurant and bar have been put up for sale. Surace listed it in 2021 but got no offers, and the sale lapsed the following year, said Jody Ferdyn, one of the Realtors who listed the property.
Surace said he’s gotten to know many people over the years, some of whom have met significant others there, and others he watched grow up. He said his aim was to make everyone who came in happy.
“That’s my whole objective, make sure that everybody that comes in leaves with a smile on their face and enjoy themselves,” he said. “My job is to make people feel comfortable while they’re here, make them want to come back.”
Regan said he hopes Andy Gavin’s will continue to be the friendly neighborhood bar it’s always been. Surace hopes whoever purchases the building — which he said is an institution in the city — will continue running it the same way in the future.
“It’s been fun. I’ve had a great experience. I enjoyed every minute I was there,” he said.
The dining room inside of Andy Gavin’s in Scranton Friday, April 24, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Owner Donnie Surace stands for a portrait inside of Andy Gavin’s in Scranton Friday, April 24, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
A patron serves himself popcorn in Andy Gavin’s in Scranton Friday, April 24, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)