The Gibbonses are back home.
In October, Eamen Gibbons’ brother, George, was killed by a drunken driver after closing his bar for the night.
George had just opened the bar, Gibbons’ Home, that month before the 37-year-old’s life was tragically cut short.
After a month-long manhunt and pushed back hearings, the Gibbons family is still waiting to hear what will happen to the man who allegedly hit George in a wrong-way car wreck. Right now, he’s charged with second degree manslaughter.
The family decided, however, that they couldn’t let George’s bar sit empty while they waited.
Last week, the Gibbons returned and celebrated the reopening of the bar, this time with Eamen at the helm.
“It was just the logical progression,” Eamen said, who worked behind the bar before the accident.
The neighborhood joint is homey, with couches and armchairs in the back, lit softly with floor lamps like you would see in an average living room. A fireplace is soon to come—completing the look.
It’s truly a family business. Bernadette, a sister who also works at the bar, and Eamen said he’s hoping to get his father in sometime soon to help pour on weekends.
The community has rallied around the family at the bar in the same way they have in the courtroom.
On each court date, the family shows up surrounded by friends to hear any news about Peter Rodriguez, the accused drunken driver, and on unofficial opening night on Friday, Jan. 27, Eamen said Gibbons’ Home was packed as well.
“There’s been a lot of support,” Eamen said.
Eamen has grown up in bars and restaurants, starting as a barback at 13, but with the absence of his brother he’s taking on an unfamiliar role—running a business.
He’s hoping for a big turnout on Monday Feb. 6th for a post Super Bowl party, and he’s still planning a true grand opening for his brother’s—and now his—bar.
By Jeremiah Dobruck
Forum Newsgroup Photo By Jeremiah Dobruck
