Restaurant Celebrates Return to Mall

Wedged between racks of intimate apparel and women’s suits at Macy’s in The Oaks mall, customers packed six to a table dined on corned beef and cabbage with green beer on tap.

For Bud Sweeney, this St. Patrick’s Day celebration was special.

Last year, he was forced to move his Irish-themed pub out of the mall because it did not fit management’s goal for more sophisticated tenants. But Sweeney has since found a new home in an abandoned restaurant on the third floor of Macy’s and business is booming.

“Sweeney’s was real down-to-earth--the kind of place where if you ate peanuts, you could throw the shells on the floor,” said Tim Dallacqua, brushing against a Morgan Taylor dress while waiting for his meal.

This was Dallacqua’s first time back to Sweeney’s and, for that matter, the mall, since the restaurant closed last June. Same for Gail Gillis, who said she never goes to The Oaks anymore.

“I was very unhappy with how they treated Sweeney’s, and what else can I do but stage a personal boycott?” she asked.

Sweeney’s was something of a local institution with many loyal regulars. Before it closed, there were petition drives and letter-writing campaigns to save it.

Even local officials such as Thousand Oaks Councilman Andy Fox and county Supervisor Frank Schillo added their support. But the mall was determined.

“The Oaks does have a wealthier, higher-educated shopping base, and we try to provide stores that meet those needs,” said Rebecca Bresson, mall general manager.

Sweeney’s has been replaced by Hot Topics, an apparel and music store. A “Now Pierce This” sign sits out front, with skulls and spiked collars in the display window.

“It’s hard to understand what they mean by upgrading the mall when I see this in my place,” Sweeney said.

Sweeney opened a new restaurant in Camarillo, but when Macy’s offered its space last fall, Sweeney jumped at the chance to return to The Oaks without having to answer to mall management.

The new location can accommodate 500 people, provided he pushes back a few clothing racks just outside the restaurant.

Macy’s manager Deb Felton said the third-floor space was used only for storage and Sweeney’s seemed like a perfect fit.

“We saw an opportunity to fill a need, and Bud is doing extraordinary business since coming here,” she said.

Schillo has taken his staff to lunch at the new Sweeney’s and said he thinks Macy’s made a good move.

“Bud serves a good meal and is a civic-minded guy,” Schillo said. “He went around the mall and I applaud him for his creativity.”

“We fought the good fight and now we’re back,” Sweeney said.

Sweeney admits his new restaurant is a bit classier and quieter than before, with hand-painted murals and soft, light colors.