OUR STORY

History in Every Pint

We're keeping the tradition alive with every pint we pour. Built in the late 1930s, our historic building has been serving Dearborn for over eight decades, evolving from the "Around the Corner Bar" to the beloved neighborhood institution you know today.

Our Story

The journey began simply enough—the original "Around the Corner Bar" lasted just a few years before the O'Hagan family recognized its potential and transformed it into O'Hagan's Irish Pub, bringing authentic Irish hospitality to Dearborn. In 1977, Jim Kelly purchased the establishment and renamed it Kelly's Irish Pub, stewarding it through 35 years of growth, laughter, and countless memories.

When Jim Kelly retired in 2012, he passed the torch to three men who understood what made this place special: Brothers Dan and Dennis Helka, along with John Carone—lifelong customers who had grown up calling Kelly's their second home. Their vision was simple but profound: keep it as close to the place they loved so much growing up.

After thoughtful remodeling and careful updates that honored the pub's heritage, Kelly's Irish Pub emerged renewed but unchanged in spirit. Today, Dan Helka and John Carone continue this legacy as Dennis pursues other dreams, ensuring that Kelly's remains what it's always been—a neighborhood pub where you're welcome to pull a pint, have a burger, and chat with friends and family.