JJ Mahoney's Plans to Double Space With Addition

New restaurants are not the only businesses contributing to a .

Construction is well underway on an expansion at Irish pub, a popular Redmond hangout for eight years. Owner Bryan Streit said the 1,500 feet of additional space will essentially double the size of the pub and add about 80 additional seats—making it easier for JJ Mahoney's to accommodate large groups.

"Now we'll be able to have groups of 40 or more," Streit said.

Streit said the work is being done in phases, but he expects everything to be wrapped up by Dec. 1. JJ Mahoney's intents to focus more on reaching out to Microsoft and other major employers that might want to host parties at the pub, Streit said.

Along with additional seats, the expansion will also feature a fireplace lounge area. Changes are also coming to the restaurant's existing space, including an expanded kitchen, new restrooms, a new sound system, lights and TVs.