Fiona Fleming

Patrick Molloy’s is an Irish restaurant and sports pub founded nearly three decades ago in the heart of Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza. Owner/operator Fiona Fleming took the helm in 2021 and has worked in hospitality for more than 15 years.

Tell us about your business.

Patrick Molloy’s is a place to gather, share stories, have a few laughs and feel the comfort of home. Our mission is to celebrate the Irish tradition but with a modern twist and offerings from innovative cocktails to classic pub fare, sports and lively entertainment.

What inspired you to pursue a career in your field?

As I reflect on what inspired me to pursue a career as the CEO of this restaurant, I’m reminded of the serendipitous moment when the opportunity presented itself at a professional crossroads in my career. It was the summer of 2021, and I was at a point where I was eager to take on a new challenge that would allow me to merge my passion for Irish hospitality with my professional background in operations.

Looking back, I believe that the business and I both needed each other at that moment. The restaurant, an institution in the South Bay, needed revitalization, and I was drawn to the prospect of being at the helm of its rebirth. For me, the decision to go “all in” was not just about assuming a leadership position; it was about the chance to breathe new life into an establishment that had been a beloved fixture in the community for so many years. I saw an opportunity to leverage my operational expertise to drive growth and innovation while tapping in to my creative side to craft unique experiences that would resonate with our customers.

In what ways do you stand out in your market?

Our industry requires constant adaptation to food and beverage trends as well as perfecting the classics. We love creating one-of-a-kind culinary delights like our Frozen Irish Coffee, for example. We spent the better part of a year perfecting this recipe before launching it. It has been so well received and we are proud to offer this special cocktail. It serves as a testament to the dedication we have to the research and development of our offerings. 

What sets us apart from other restaurants is our willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We’re not afraid to try new things and experiment with different flavors and techniques—even if it means investing significant time and resources into the process.

What are the latest trends in your industry that you’re loving?

We love—and we have to laugh at—some of the social media trends that we are seeing across all industries but specifically for restaurants/cocktail bars. Incorporating humor into our brand is something we feel strongly about, so we have been having a lot of fun creating content that can bring exploration, intrigue and a good laugh into the mix. Beyond social media, the culinary experience is constantly evolving. There seems to be a lot of cohesion between food and cocktails and the infusion of the two to create new flavor profiles. It’s been fun to see what my partner Kevin Jones comes up with when creating specialty cocktails and infusions for our menu. 

Speak about the importance of community to your business.

Community engagement is one of the most important aspects of being in the restaurant business. We feel fortunate to partner with the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce as a major partner and resource for community involvement. HERmosa Circle is another great example of women leaders whom we have collaborated with for many networking events. Our strong relationships with both have led to attracting new and loyal customers and increasing our brand visibility.  We also have a ton of fun collaborating with these organizations.

In what ways does authenticity play into your business model?

At our traditional Irish pub, authenticity is at the heart of everything we do. From our carefully crafted menu featuring classic Irish dishes to our expertly mixed cocktails, we strive to create an immersive experience that transports our guests to a cozy but lively pub in Ireland. It’s also about the people who bring our pub to life. We empower our employees to be their genuine selves, fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes our guests feel like part of the family. By staying true to our roots and embracing individuality, we’ve built a loyal following of customers who appreciate the real deal.

Tell us about your family and team.

My family is everything to me, and I’m grateful to have them as my biggest supporters. My dad, being from Ireland, serves as a great resource and helps ensure that we stay true to our Irish heritage here at Molloy’s. 

I’m also incredibly proud of the team we’ve built here. They bring their unique perspectives and energy to work every day and are instrumental in creating the warm and welcoming experience that our customers have come to expect from us. I feel lucky to have such a wonderful team behind me, and I think that sense of family and camaraderie sets us apart.

Photographed by Fabien & Laura Castro