Havre De Grace Family-Owned Business Closes, New Opportunity Opens In Same Spot

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — After decades spent serving the Harford County community and beyond, the family-owned Ryan Furniture has closed its doors. But a new owner plans to turn the building around into a family fun zone.

The Ryan family priced its 28,275-square-foot store for sale at $2.2 million.

“It was time to close Ryan Furniture and sell the property,” Jim Ryan, 76, told The Daily Record.

Ryan's parents, Richard and Lillian, started the furniture store in 1948 on a 4.4 acre site.

“The retail environment has changed considerably over the past eight decades, and single-store operators are finding it increasingly difficult to compete with national companies and their expansive purchasing power,” Ryan said. “Like many mom-and-pop operators, Ryan Furniture separated itself from the competition with unparalleled customer service, getting to know its clientele intimately and becoming immersed in the local community. But that formula can only work for so long as customers begin to make decisions based solely on price, unfortunately.”

On their website, the family thanked customers for their support over the years.

"All our family members, some no longer with us, some who still are, will always stand by our great service and standards of excellence. Once again, we want to thank you for the loyalty and support of local business and hope that in the future you continue to patronize your local small businesses as they are vital to supporting our community," the Ryan family posted.

Ryan Furniture now will become Pirates Cove Family Fun Center. John Cain, who also owns Jurassic Golf and Arcade in Bel Air with his wife, Stefanie, shared on Facebook that they will have a Nexus Gel Blaster arena, Krazy darts, duckpin bowling, bounce house, arcade with prizes, rooms for birthday parties and more. Pirates Cove also will have an adult section called “The Cove,” which will feature Krazy Darts, pool tables, a party room and more.

Ironically, it was meant to be that Cain bought the Ryans' building, because in the 1980s, Cain worked for Ryan Furniture as a delivery person.

"When this property became available, we jumped at the chance. We want everybody to have a good time. Kids need something to do to occupy them, and we try to keep that family togetherness going on," Cain told WMAR.

To honor Jim Ryan and his legacy, Cain will be naming the new business' largest meeting room the Ryan Family Conference Center.

The Pirates Cove Family Fun Center is aiming for a July open date, Cain said.

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