The way in which wife and husband duo Mairead Daly-Nekkab and Johnnie Nekkab met was key in their journey to becoming business owners, writes Fionnuala Boyle for The Irish Star.

Originally from Ireland, Daly-Nekkab first came to the United States in 2002 after obtaining a work visa to work as a bartender in Wildwood. 

Upon arriving in Philadelphia, she met her future husband while working at the Italian restaurant his family owned. 

The two of them became close and eventually got together to buy the property next door and open up what today is Daly’s Irish Pub, in 2008. 

“Business was slow at the beginning and it took a while to get where we are now,” said Daly-Nekkab.

Now, the pub is one of the most popular in the city as a spot to play pool, darts, and bingo, watch sporting events, and buy $5 pints. 

The premise of Daly’s is to be one of the city’s top venues for entertainment. 

In addition, Daly-Nekkab aims to engage the diverse individuals who walk through its doors everyday.

“We’re not just geared towards Irish customers – we’re here for everyone and anyone, and people say that’s what makes Daly’s very comfortable and inviting,” she said. 

Learn more about the various ways Daly’s serves its customers in The Irish Star.

_____