Shawn Sabel, owner and operator of The Irish Pub in Baldwin, was among more than a dozen honorees recognized for civic contributions at the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce’s annual awards breakfast on Oct. 31.
Sabel was honored for leading a community-driven effort to restore Baldwin’s holiday lights along Merrick Road. After residents voiced frustration on a local Facebook group last year over the lack of Christmas decorations in town, the Baldwin Chamber of Commerce explained that the lights were not taxpayer-funded but relied entirely on donations.
Inspired to help, Sabel, a Freeport resident, turned the conversation into action. He kicked off the year with The Irish Pub’s annual chili cook-off, raising $1,200 for local causes, and later organized additional fundraisers that brought in more than $8,000 for the chamber to install new holiday lights — a project expected to revive Baldwin’s festive spirit.
Susan Cools, president of the Baldwin-Rockville Centre Rotary at the time she first met Sabel, recalled being impressed by his enthusiasm and community focus from the start.
“The first time I met Shawn Sabel, he came into the Baldwin-RVC Rotary meeting,” Cools said. “He said that he was the new owner of The Irish Pub and that he wanted to get involved in the community. I remember thinking that he seemed young and that it was commendable that he had an interest in doing so.”
Since then, Cools said, Sabel has lived up to his word.
“True to his word, he hasn’t stopped doing whatever he can for Baldwin since then,” she said. “Shawn takes part and helps with local events as well as fundraising for various Baldwin needs.”
Fundraisers include Hangout One Happy Place, Toys for Tots, and most recently, Pubpalooza.
“He’s a great guy and a real asset to the community,” said Paul Lizio, owner of Grandview Auto Body in Baldwin. “He always uses his bar as a hub to host community events and raise funds for local causes.”
Sabel purchased The Irish Pub in November 2018, continuing the legacy of a neighborhood landmark that has been part of Baldwin since 1963. A longtime bartender before becoming an owner, he set out to create more than just a place to grab a drink — a gathering spot where friendships could grow and neighbors could connect.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sabel kept the business running by expanding the menu for takeout and relying on loyal patrons who rallied behind their local pub.
The Irish Pub was originally located on Sunrise Highway and was briefly called the Station Pub. In May 2007, the owners received a certified letter from the landlord stating the property had been sold and granting them just 30 days to vacate. Undaunted, the pub’s patrons held a farewell weekend before it closed. Less than a year later, it reopened at its current location, 834 Merrick Road.
