WORCESTER, Mass. - A beloved restaurant in Worcester is being sold after over three decades in business.

O’Connor’s Restaurant and Bar is being sold to Dennis and Jennifer Maxwell, and their son, Kyle.

Owners Brendan and Claire O’Connor have decided to retire. The O’Connors came to Worcester from Ireland over 30 years ago and opened the restaurant on West Boylston Street in 1989.

In an interview with Spectrum News 1 on Tuesday, Brendan O’Connor reflected on the friendships and memories he’s made over the years and said it’s time to enjoy the next phase of his life. 

“It was a tough decision, but the timing was right and it’s appropriate to retire and leave some quality time at the end of our working career. We see it all the time, people moving on from different jobs. Now it’s my time,” O’Connor said. “I’ve never regarded this as work, just something I do every day. I was happy to do it. We are blessed with such a good run and we are so happy with the people who have supported us all these years.”

O’Connor said the Maxwells will keep the restaurant’s name and existing staff.

The Worcester License Commission will likley approve the transfer at Thursday’s meeting.

O’Connor said he’s looking forward to traveling back to Ireland during his retirement.