DERRY — A former firehouse is Broadway's newest gathering spot.
The Halligan Tavern is now open at 32 West Broadway, offering customers another place to meet, eat and drink.
New owners Timothy Moran, Ryan Tobin and Daniel Mancini bring a rich background in the restaurant industry, all working together for years in area eateries.
The new tavern-style restaurant takes its name from the halligan, a classic forcible entry tool used by firefighters and named in 1948 by New York City firefighter Hugh Halligan. Boston firefighters were the first to purchase the tools for use in their departments.
The tavern opened last month and is open seven days a week, 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., offering 24 different kinds of beer on tap and an extensive lunch and dinner menu served from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Owners said the business prides itself on fresh ingredients and locally-grown produce, delivered daily, with breads and desserts made in house.
The Halligan building formerly housed a downtown firehouse, used by Derry firefighters up until 2005. Then the station was sold to make way for the Firehall Pub and Grille, which closed in 2007. The building was sold last summer after going to foreclosure.
Tobin said the new restaurant has an intimate, hometown feel. He said the firehouse was a perfect fit for the eatery.
"We fell in love with the building and we liked Derry," Tobin said.
