The founders of 'the best bar in the world', The Dead Rabbit NYC, have announced the end of their partnership.
Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry, both from North Belfast, opened the Irish bar in New York City in 2013 which has become world-renowned for its hospitality and charm.
The two met while working in the Merchant Hotel in Belfast city centre before making it big in the US.
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Speaking to Drinks International, the Ardoyne duo have announced that they will be going their separate ways but ensured the spilt was amicable.
Sean said: "We all realised we want different things.
"It’s nobody’s fault - it’s just a natural development."
According to the industry magazine, Jack will continue to lead The Dead Rabbit as it prepares to roll out across the US while Sean and beverage director Jillian Vose will move to Charleston in South Carolina to open their own venue.
"It was a phenomenal ride - I’m delighted with what we achieved."
"It’s the end of one chapter and the beginning of another special chapter," Jack explained.
Sean added: "The more I thought about it, the more I realised it’s not who I am.
"I was up for expanding to a couple more bars, but I’m at my happiest with different concepts - two or three maximum. I like doing unique things. The Dead Rabbit needs someone with fresh eyes – Jack is younger with different ideas."
Jack teamed up with a local Belfast company, Crowne Creative to take over some of Sean's responsibilities as he moves on to his new venue, Hazel and Apple, with Jillian.
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