Linda Matheny shares the story behind Hagy’s Irish Pie Pub

I chat with Linda Matheny, owner of Hagy’s Irish Pie Pub in Charleston, West Virginia. Linda shares how a trip to Ireland sparked the idea for her restaurant. While visiting Galway, her husband discovered pastie pies, a traditional Irish dish, and they realized there was nothing like it back home in West Virginia. Inspired, they decided to bring a piece of Ireland to Charleston by opening Hagy’s Irish Pie Pub, offering authentic dishes like shepherd’s pie and pastie pies.

The pub’s opening day coincided with Saint Patrick’s Day, and Linda’s team embraced the festive spirit. Since then, they’ve continued to celebrate Irish culture with live music events, including a local dulcimer band performance scheduled for September 17th. Linda explains that the pub stays true to the Irish tradition, focusing on authentic dishes and music, without the typical American pub fare like cheesesteaks or chicken wings.

The menu also includes local touches, such as pepperoni rolls, a beloved West Virginia dish. Linda reflects on the challenges of entrepreneurship, particularly dealing with the bureaucratic process of obtaining an ABC license. She describes the paperwork as overwhelming but appreciates the helpful staff at the ABC office.

Managing the pub has been a balancing act for Linda. Alongside her role as a hairdresser, she spends her evenings behind the bar or busing tables. She shares the hard truths of owning a business, from long hours to hands-on tasks like cleaning bathrooms. Linda’s advice to other entrepreneurs is clear: hire carefully and be prepared for the tough work that comes with running a business.

Hagy’s Irish Pie Pub has become a hit among locals, offering a genuine Irish experience in Charleston. Linda’s commitment to quality food and authentic Irish culture has earned her a loyal following. She encourages anyone looking for an authentic Irish pub experience to stop by the pub at 908 Quarter Street.

Linda also emphasizes the importance of networking, citing her involvement in local business groups like the First Tuesdays event. She credits these connections with helping her navigate the entrepreneurial journey.