(4/8) The Shamrock Restaurant was on its way to hitting its 60th anniversary, but fell short in 2019 when the operation ceased by the owners’ decision to retire.

According to Friend Commercial Real Estate realtor Ted Kroos, the buyer who purchased the 4–5-acre tract, which included the landmark eatery, closed on the purchase of the property during the last week of March (reportedly March 31).

The realtor stated that the property will remain commercial, and that a new restaurant may open there, and/or some other retail operation(s) "which does not compromise the site."

'Sold' was added to the Shamrock sign in front of the establishment, but another sign along the road suggested that leasing is available.

Two conceptual plans have been posted on the Friend Commercial Real Estate website, and elsewhere, and both show the site divided-up into four parcels. One map shows the site overall as it presently exists, and the other map shows potential development. The plans – labeled as "Overall Lease Exhibit" - state they were prepared by Kimley Horn of Baltimore for the Friend (Commercial Real Estate) and are dated February 20, 2020.

On the map showing potential development, Parcel One contains the existing Shamrock Restaurant located on 2.18 acres. Parcel Two, 2.29 acres in size, depicts a 23,000 square-foot commercial building 30-feet in height.

Parcel Three depicts a 2.71-acre tract containing a 13,200 square-foot commercial building. Parcel Four shows a 3,200 square-foot fast food commercial building 40-feet in height on a 1.43-acre tract. Including an outparcel containing a private sanitary pump station and a billboard, the entire property is given as 8.96 acres.

All numbers (acreage and footage) are preceded by a "plus or minus." A note on the plan states that the conceptual plan, as depicted, "does not completely take into consideration bulk regulations or other general zoning compliance …"

Kroos was unwilling to discuss further details, such as who the buyer is and any further plans for the site, citing client confidentiality.

Fitzgerald’s Shamrock Restaurant – which had been previously-operated as the Casablanca - was established in 1963 by Donald "Mike" Fitzgerald and Doris Fitzgerald. In 1964, it became the first restaurant in Frederick County permitted to serve cocktails.

Their daughters, Donna Demmon and Dawn Knox, both of whom worked at their parents’ restaurant since its inception, acquired the family-owned business in 2016 and operated the eatery until December 30, 2019, stating on the restaurant’s website, "with almost 57 years behind us, the time has come to bid farewell, and attempt some rest and relaxation."