More than five years have passed since Uncle Sam’s closed for the final time.
In September 2019, the owners announced that their South Main Street location in Wexford would close for renovations. Sixteen months later, in January 2021, the restaurant reopened as a traditional fish and chip shop called the Salt & Vinegar.
The Salt & Vinegar did not last long. According to its Facebook page, the restaurant closed in 2022.
Uncle Sam’s first opened its doors in 1995, when Rita and Pio Veccio established the diner. They sold the business in February 2009 to focus on a new venture in Clonard.
Before chains such as McDonald’s, KFC, Supermac’s, and Domino’s arrived in Wexford, diners had two options for American-style fast food: Uncle Sam’s and Burger Mac. Otherwise, they had to choose from chips, Chinese food, or a pizza from Robertino’s.
The diner was particularly popular among pubgoers in the southern end of the town, as it was one of the few places that stayed open late into the night. It also attracted teenagers, especially when they left discos such as “Tracks” and “Twisters,” which often took place at the nearby Dun Mhuire.
By 2019, the fast food landscape had changed entirely. Similar restaurants had opened around town, and competition from larger brands had increased. These factors may explain the owners’ decision to pivot to a more traditional cuisine.
Mizzoni’s Pizza and Mario’s Pasta Bar will open at the premises in June 2025.
