By Shayan Abbasi
Silky Sullivan’s Restaurant and Irish Pub in Fountain Valley, California, has long been a cherished part of the community. Known for its lively Irish culture and deep roots in the area, the pub recently announced its closure at 10201 Slater Avenue after 40 years of operating there.
However, as the owners began to pack up and prepare to move to a different location, the community was struck by theft on November 30. The iconic marquee sign, a familiar sight at the corner of Slater Avenue and San Mateo Street for decades, was stolen.
This marquee sign was a symbol of the pub’s long history, a gathering place for locals. Silky Sullivan’s opened its doors in September 1984, named after a famous racehorse, and it had come to represent a spot for celebrations and even a second home for many customers.
Over the years, the sign became tied to the pub itself, its image spread across pages of the Orange County Register, the Los Angeles Times and local travel magazines. Jubilant St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and New Year’s parties took place under its shadow for many years, yet now its loss feels like a personal loss.
The owners of Silky Sullivan’s took to a social media post on Facebook to share the devastating news.
“It’s impossible to understand why someone would do something so cruel,” they wrote. “We may be closing this location, but we’re actively looking for a new one to keep Silky’s alive. That someone would take such a key piece of Silky’s 40-year history is sad and sickening.”
Despite the loss, the owners remain hopeful that the sign will be returned and have assured the public that no questions will be asked. Bill Madden, one of the founders, shared his disbelief.
“It doesn’t make any sense to me because what are they going to do with it? Keep it in their backyard? If anyone sees it, they’ll know it belongs to Silky’s, and we just want it back,” Madden said.
The Fountain Valley Police Department, located directly across the street from the pub, is investigating the incident, while the owners have called on the community to help by sharing information, as well as spreading the word on social media.
The owners are actively searching for a new location where Silky Sullivan’s can live, hoping that when the pub reopens, the sign will be a part of this next chapter. The outpouring of support from locals in the community, as the post already has 317 shares, and over a hundred comments expressing love and well-wishes for the pub.
If anyone has information about the sign, they are urged to contact Silky Sullivan’s directly.
