The Luck of the Irish (and a Smart Investment): A St. Patrick’s Day Real Estate Story

This St. Patrick's Day, I wanted to share a little story that perfectly illustrates the power of real estate, with a hint of the "Luck of the Irish."

My parents moved here back in 1984 or 1985 and eventually bought an Irish restaurant located between Lamar and Guadalupe on 34th Street. If you know the area, this spot is now home to the delicious Honeymoon Spirits and Lounge (and yes, you should go—their Sunday brunch is amazing, but make a reservation, they are always booked!).

Buying the Business

My parents bought the restaurant business itself, which was called O’Brien’s Cafe. Fast forward two or three years into owning the business, and the owner, John O'Brien, told them he needed to sell the property.

My immigrant parents made a massive decision: they decided to buy the property. They put their pennies together, did everything they could, and in 1990, they secured the property for $110,000.

The Power of Real Estate

That little house has seen multiple restaurants and different businesses come and go over the years. It's a little bitty, old bungalow that my parents bought in 1989/1990 for just $110,000.

Today, that same property is worth, let's just say, over a million dollars.

That, my friends, is the power of real estate.

Thirty-five years later, that house still sits, looking much like it did when I was a kid running around and busting tables behind my brother.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Is it the luck of the Irish, or just a really good investment? I think we know the answer!