Bumpa’s—Where You’re Part of the Family
Opened by brothers Dan and Conor Sullivan, the Irish pub named “Bumpa’s” in Charleston, paints a picture of a warm, welcoming environment where every customer is treated like a family member. Named after their late paternal grandfather, affectionately known as “Bumpa,” the pub aims to keep his spirit and stories alive, bringing a sense of togetherness and belonging to every guest.
In Bumpa’s, an entire wall is dedicated to black and white images of past and present guests, fondly referred to as the “wall of heroes.” The brothers invite patrons to send in photos of their enjoyable times at Bumpa’s, which then get framed and added to the wall. Many customers, they say, have a Bumpa in their lives—beloved and respected grandfather figures whom they fondly remember.
A Cherished Journey
Before establishing Bumpa’s, Dan and Conor worked in the corporate world. However, the dream of owning a bar together was something they carried from their childhood—inspired by the popular sitcom Cheers. Over the years, this dream turned into a reality, transforming from jotted ideas on napkins to the thriving hub it is today.
The journey of creating Bumpa’s, however, wasn’t without its challenges. First, they purchased a historic property on Cumberland Street, which required major retrofitting to suit their business vision. Despite these hurdles, the brothers succeeded in preserving the building’s original charm—so much so that the city honored the building with a Carolopolis Award in 2021.
Navigating the Pandemic
The challenge of opening the pub during the difficult year of 2020 was another obstacle which they managed to overcome. They transformed the hardships into opportunities, learning to adapt their operations to the pandemic conditions and maintaining a dedication to cleanliness and safety protocols. Through it all, they credit the smooth running of Bumpa’s to their hardworking staff and particularly, General Manager, Kory Schaaf.
A Sense of Community
At Bumpa’s, the brothers foster an atmosphere of camaraderie and comfort. Encouraging customers to relax and enjoy their time in the pub, they aim to make everyone feel like they belong in their neighborhood bar. After all, the essence of Bumpa’s is not just about serving drinks but also about maintaining a connection with people and building a close-knit community.
Despite the demanding nature of running the bar, the brothers place value in time spent with family, noting that true success comes from balancing hard work and enjoying life’s rewards. As family-oriented as they are business-minded, they express how being together as a family in Bumpa’s has not only been chaotic and fun, but also “beautiful,” echoing the words of their beloved grandfather.
This St. Patrick’s Day weekend, Bumpa’s invites everyone to partake in the fun at 5 Cumberland St. downtown. The pub will be featuring a special menu, drink specials, live music and entertainment from step dancers and bagpipe players, promising an eventful and memorable experience for all.
