Dan Clark has been working to balance history and modern expectations as the newer owner of the 91-year-old Roache & O’Brien’s tavern in Haverford, writes Michael Bradley for Main Line Today.

Clark, who also operates restaurants in Bryn Mawr, Philadelphia, and Avalon, New Jersey, acquired the tavern in May.

Roache & O’Brien’s opened on Lancaster Avenue right after Prohibition was appealed.

 “The place has been around almost 100 years,” Clark said. “They did something right.”

Now Roache’s sits next to a Lexus dealership and across the street from a jeweler.

It’s come-one, come-all atmosphere has a unique vibe on the Main Line, attracting attorneys, college students and landscapers, as well as 35-year loyal customers.

Longtime owner Franny O’Brien ran the bar for 50 years until he passed away in October 2022. Above all, he wanted to keep the tavern “comfortable.”

So Clark is listening to his instincts to move the tavern forward without corrupting the feeling that’s been there since 1933.

“There’s a fear of major change,” he says. “But time will tell. As we get to know each other, trust will build.”

Read more about Dan Clark’s background in the restaurant business and about his plans for Roache & O’Brien’s in Main Line Today.