What’s in a name?
In 1998 we opened the doors to the Boathouse Bar and Grill in Belmar largely due to the love and financial support of our grandmother, Adelaide Murphy Harmon. She again supported us in 2004 when we took on our next project, 507 Main at Shark River. She believed in our dreams and aspirations even back when no one else did. We always said we would like to honor our grandmother and our family heritage if we ever got the chance to open another establishment.
We traced our Irish roots back to our grandmother’s mother, Alice Murray, who married John Murphy whose heritage traces back to Castleblaney, Ireland. Because there are already great establishments in the area with the Murphy name, we settled on Murray to pay homage to our grandmother. While our grandmother passed away in 2005, her love and support is felt each and every day.
Our grandfather Gregory was a
true Scot by nature.
He lived by the word of the Wall Street Journal, was a die-hard Yankee fan, loved his pipe and pouch of tobacco, and always drank sherry as a nightcap. He was most proud of his heritage, being of the MacGregor descendants from Scotland. He walked taller and prouder when he wore his blue blazer with the MacGregor crest on the left breast. Our grandfather Gregory taught us how to invest in stocks, molded us to become passionate New York Yankee fans, and to mind our manners and shake hands like a man. He passed away in 1987, but his business savvy has influenced and inspired our business sense to this day. For this we are forever grateful and wanted to pay homage to him with the MacGregor name.
A Publik House is defined as an establishment which serves as the focal point of a community and a meeting place for locals to gather socially and conduct business, while enjoying a comfortable and friendly atmosphere with an abundance of good food, good drink and good music. The word “pub” derives from this meaning.
We hoped by adding Publik House to the name, Murray MacGregor’s would take on this “pub” feel, where everyone could find their niche and feel comfortable, while enjoying the environment, food and drink.
Our family has provided a wonderful foundation for our dreams, inspiration and success to become a reality. Without the love, support and understanding of our parents, Arthur Harmon and Beryl Hunter, their spouses Lou Harmon and Bradley Hunter as well as our own families and children, we would not be here today.
We also have been very fortunate to have very dedicated employees that have become our extended families at each of our three locations. They are the backbone of our success and an integral part of your experience at our establishments.
