"When Sharkey's closed in December, we acquired their liquor license and in order to complete the transaction with ABC, we had to activate the license," Michael said.

In addition, to securing the liquor license for the location, the event served as a fundraiser for the Children's Musical Theater San Jose, Children's Discovery Museum and the Willow Glen Business and Professional Association.

"It's a win, win, win situation," said Al Lepori, a former Sharkey's patron. "The building owners get to keep the license, people are having fun and three really good charities are benefiting."

Each night, from Jan. 18 to Jan. 22, food was donated by La Villa Delicatessen, Willows Pizza and Aqui Cal-Mex Grill. Throughout the week the bar was tended by guest bartenders such as Claudia Caballero from Aqui and celebrity bartenders (also known as family friends) such as Craig Urban. Caballero said she had never tended bar anywhere else and thought it would be a hoot to participate. When asked about his bartending qualifications, Urban said with a smile, "I make killer martinis at home and I have spent a fair amount of time drinking."

"This is a real community event," Mulcahy said. "Without the help of individuals and businesses, we couldn't pull it off."

With a coat of paint and decorations from Casa Casa, Mulcahy was able to give the interior a facelift. Sharkey's patrons Kathy Arsenault and Deborah Randazzo, who drove by and saw the new sign in the window, were pleased with the upgrades.

"I wanted to check it out," Arsenault said. "I like the change in colors and am looking forward to something fun coming in."

Mulcahy said many people have come in specifically to talk over ideas for the space.

"I think a fondue place or an Asian-fusion restaurant would be good," Randazzo said.

"Even some place with counter service is a good idea," Arsenault added. "People are looking for excellence at a reasonable price these days. So someplace that isn't expensive that you can come and socialize at would be perfect."

Mulcahy paid close attention to the suggestions and said the next steps are to regroup and explore them.

"After being open for a week, we have a better idea of what to do with the space," Mulcahy said. "We are not sure at what level we are going to be involved in the new place, but we want a place that is an asset to Willow Glen."

A final tally is still pending, according to Mulcahy. But he believes the event will have raised more than $2,000.

And with the ABC satisfied and funds raised for a good case, the final decision on the space already has lots of positive energy working in its favor.