New Owner Of Former 'Taps' Pub Strikes Out On Own, Brings Fresh Eyes

OAK FOREST, IL — A longtime Oak Forest resident with a background in business ownership has struck out on her own—with the helping hands of her family—to take on a new venture in an old, Oak Forest watering hole.

Robin Flannery has taken over the space formerly known as Taps Pub, 15427 S. Cicero Ave., and will rename it Flannery's, freshen it up with a fresh coat of paint—but keep the feel much the same. Flannery—who owns another bar by the same name in Midlothian—brings to the space a fresh set of eyes, and a deep resume in business.

In addition to her ownership of Flannery's, she is also part owner of Durbin's in Midlothian, she told Patch. Unlike her other ventures, this one is solely hers, though her children and husband will help with any updates.

"Me and my children will be doing it together," Flannery told Patch. "Two boys are in on this one with me. We’re going to make it look really nice, and hopefully it’ll be a good thing for the town.

"I love being involved with the town, I’m involved a lot in Midlothian, and I hope that I can help Oak Forest, as well."

Flannery's children—sons James (33), Timothy (37), daughter Elizabeth (31), and stepson Chris Coffey (23)—and husband Bernie Coffey will all play some part in transforming the former Taps space into one with her family name. Even her 11-year-old granddaughter Reece is pitching in. But Flannery doesn't plan to fix what's not broken, she said. She's always enjoyed planning events and parties, and seeing customers happy in any way, so she'll do her best to consider feedback.

"My plan is just to keep it how it is," she told Patch. "I like it because it’s just a place for people to go and have a good time. Make everyone have fun—I’ve always been that way—I’ve always been the one to make the party.

"I just want to bring the fun over to Oak Forest, because I live in Oak Forest. The opportunity came along, and I was so excited to go off on my own."

The Midlothian location has been in business since 2016, and Flannery bought out her partner in 2018. She's also partnered with her brother-in-law in business since 1989.

Having lived in Oak Forest since 2002, and her children having matriculated through District 142 and Oak Forest High School, she's excited to bring their business "home."

"There were a lot of people trying to get the location," Flannery said. "I don’t drink myself, but I do enjoy making everyone have a good time.

"It’s just my thing in life."

They've already moved into the space and have begun making changes, but they'll stay open throughout.

"I'm leaving it open," she said. "If stragglers come in, I just want them to see the transformation. Give me a little bit of time, and it’ll like look nice. We'll go from there."

She hopes to have all changes complete by spring, though interior tweaks will be done in about a month, she said.

Anyone who wants to stop in for a cold one is welcome, she said.

"I’d hate to lose a customer," she said, "So whatever I can do to accommodate people, is what I do."

Flannery's opens at 3 p.m. every day, closing at 2 a.m. Sunday through Friday, and 3 a.m. on Saturdays.