Last week the owners who been operating Jacob Wirth since 1975 announced that debt has forced him into selling the 150 year-old beer hall in Boston. Kevin Fitzgerald owes over $2,000,000 to the IRS and state as well as employees and food purveyors. Several years ago I met the owner during a slow Sunday and told him how much I loved his establishment. He felt the same way, but love can’t pay bills. Despite the sale Jacob Wirth’s will probably continue to be a restaurant, since the property is landmarked as a historical site in the old Combat Zone. Of course politicians could change that ruling to build a luxury condo tower. They are future of of zombie cities.
