Local Business Focus - Chieftains Local Embassy of Irish Flavor

COBLESKILL —  Chieftains has been a vital part of the village of Cobleskill since 2015. While it is equal parts Irish pub, restaurant, and business it is so much more than the sum of its parts. The level of detail in the establishment is astounding. The atmosphere: truly unique.

Jayne Marquart, the General Manager, provides the backstory on the business. It is owned by the Nolan brothers who came to the United States in the late 1970’s from County Tipperary, Ireland. Tipperary is known as a rural location in Ireland, but like Chieftains itself it is replete with intricate details and an extensive history. 

County Tipperary is home to the Silvermine and Knockmealdown Mountains among others. The River Suir provides an outlet for the waters that rain upon those mountains. It is home to a plane known as the Golden Vale and its largest town is Clonmel, with a population of just under 20,000. 

In addition to the awesome natural beauty found there, there is the Rock of Cashel. This is a fortress or castle whose roots date back to the early 4th century, back when Ireland had kings. St. Patrick himself figures prominently in the tales, reportedly driving Satan out of a nearby cave and converting the King of Munster in the 5th century. 

Although Chieftains was established in the 21st century in quiet little Cobleskill. You can clearly see a lineage written in the very walls of the building. A story as ancient as Ireland itself. A legacy brought to our locale by two brothers from Ireland. 

Mrs. Marquart, the General Manager speaks of the Nolan brothers with a kind of respect that can only be earned over a longer span of time, such as the decade that Chieftains has been operating in Cobleskill. In a business run with this kind of passion and dedication it is clear that the distinction between family and coworkers can dissolve. 

Gerard Nolan handpicks many of the countless artifacts and details put into the building. The booths many readers might recognize are an homage to Irish pubs and are known as snugs over there. From the elegant light fixtures, to the stained glass windows, or even the pillows that provide an added comfort on the seats, each detail is painstakingly chosen to accentuate the atmosphere. 

The aforementioned stained glass windows and many other accents that contribute to the feel of the place are repurposed from other venues and buildings. The stained glass windows are reportedly from an old church. Whether you look at the floor or the ceiling, or any point in between you will no doubt feel the character of the owners.

Jayne Marquart describes the dishes that are prepared and made on site. From the bangers and mash to the fish and chips, there are tastes of Ireland and comfort food from the United States. Delicious dinners and meals are served seven days a week, from noon on up, usually until about eight or nine, depending on the season.

Mrs. Marquart not only handles the day-to-day operations of the business, but she is a prominent voice and representative of Chieftains on social media. An avid writer herself, Jayne Marquart specializes in writing memoirs and nostalgic pieces that capture moments and moods. 

The very act of dining in Chieftains becomes a special experience when you really consider the effort put into it. There’s nothing quite like it in Schoharie County. And if you really zoom in on the details, it’s a home for a novel eating experience that you just can’t get anywhere else. 

Whether it be the bar, the main dining area, or the banquet hall that can accommodate up to 130 guests, Chieftains is a special place. A place where you can get good food and make good memories. A place where a family, an organization, or a young couple just meeting each other can feel easy and comfortable and enjoy the truly unique atmosphere.

Mrs. Marguart further informs of the patio addition with outdoor fireplaces, seating areas, and a view of the dare I say, majestic, Donat’s Brow mountain that figures prominently in the background. This summer season at Chieftains will be filled with live music indoors and out. And that’s something to look forward to.