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will we do Irish food . I tried , but it just didn ’ t work .”
Just as the pub was working its way into the fabric of the community , everything changed .
In April 2007 , a fire caused by old , faulty wiring caused the building to be destroyed .
“ I thought we were done ,” Fields said . “ But , so many people wanted us to open back up .”
The Paddy Wagon reopened less than a year later just steps away .
In 2020 , though , another unexpected event almost brought the pub to the brink of extinction .
The COVID-19 pandemic shut down most bars and restaurants in the state . and the timing could not have been worse for an Irish-style pub .
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“ They closed everything the day before St . Patrick ’ s Day ,” Fields said .
The Paddy Wagon once again survived .
And continues to thrive .
Over the years , the pub has employed hundreds of EKU students . Fields says at least 26 of them have gone on to receive their degrees from the school .
“ As an educator , that ’ s pretty cool to me ,” Fields said .
During his frequent trips to Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom over the years , the Ohio native developed an intense interest in the politics , people , and culture of the region . He felt at home . And even tried to convince himself — perhaps — that he was reconnecting to his family ’ s heritage .
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“ I always thought ( I was Irish ), like some many other Americans ,” Fields said with a laugh . “ My father was a coal miner . So , I thought we were one of the ‘ Black Irish ,’ the Protestants who came over to America . But , no . I did a DNA test and I ’ m just three percent Irish .”
Even if he isn ’ t really Irish , there is a wee bit more of the blarney in the Bluegrass because of Fields and his business partners , friends , and supporters .
After two decades , the pub ’ s owner still enjoys coming to work every day .
Even though he knows the days won ’ t last forever .
“ Three or four more years . If someone would come in and learn the business — like an apprentice — I might give it to them ,” Fields said .
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“ I gave us two years , maybe three ,” Fields said . “ I still am aghast that we are still here .” - Chuck Fields
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