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Georgia bar owner removes more than $3G of bills stapled to the walls, distributes to her staff

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A bar is showing its employees some love – and getting a fresh new look all in one fell swoop.

The Sand Bar on Tybee Island, Ga., was forced to close its doors when the coronavirus outbreak hit, greatly impacting its bar staff and the musicians who perform at the popular tourist spot.

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The bar started a Venmo account for its patrons and fans to donate straight to the staff, who have been out of work since the mandatory restaurant and bar closures in the state.
(iStock)

That’s when Jennifer Knox got an idea.

The bar is known for its special décor – a large painted mermaid, chalkboard sign, and dollar bills lining the walls and ceiling.

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Knox, who started as a bartender before eventually owning The Sand Bar, told Fox 28 the money has been collecting for “close to 14 or 15 years” from customers, who will often write something on the bills before posting them on the walls.

“We looked around and we were like, ‘We have money on the walls and time on our hands’, and we just felt this sense of urgency to get these dollars down and into the hands of those who need it,” Knox said to the outlet.

Knox, along with five volunteers, spent three days carefully taking the stapled dollars down from the walls and ceiling.

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At the end of the laborious process, Knox said they tallied $3,714 – all of which was divided among the bar’s four bartenders and two musicians.

“Times like this, you’re going to see the best in people right now, and that’s what’s going to get us through this time I think,” said Knox to Fox 28.

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The bar started a Venmo account for its patrons and fans to donate straight to the staff, who have been out of work since the mandatory restaurant and bar closures in the state.

Knox, who described the process as a “labor of love” on The Sand Bar’s Facebook page, told Fox 28 that the bar will likely not be starting the bar dollar décor up again once the pandemic ceases, but will still find a way for customers to leave their mark.

Popular NYC dive bar doing virtual happy hour amid coronavirus quarantine

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New York City, which has become an epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, is now a ghost town, locked down and empty. Finally, the city that never sleeps is no longer awake.

The Big Apple has approximately 27,000 bars and restaurants. But that won’t stop the cool kids of Downtown Manhattan, who never go farther north than 14th Street, from having a party.

The party now is just online.

The sports bar Boys Don’t Cry in Downtown Manhattan. (Boys Don’t Cry)

Millennial entrepreneurs Maximilian Caraballo, 32, and Jake Daddow, 31, own the sports bar Boys Don’t Cry, and put together a virtual happy hour for their quarantined neighborhood in New York.

Millennial entrepreneurs Maximilian Caraballo, 32, and Jake Daddow, 31, own the sports bar Boys Don’t Cry. (Sarah Jake for One37pm)

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It takes place Saturday at 6 p.m. on the video app Zoom “as a way to celebrate our two years and connect with our friends, loved ones and all those who have supported us along the journey,” Caraballo said.

He added: “Today, we’re celebrating our second anniversary at Boys Don’t Cry. The last two years have been such an amazing rollercoaster ride and none of it would not have been possible without the support of our ever-growing community of patrons.”

The sports bar Boys Don’t Cry is doing a virtual happy hour for the quarantined neighborhood in New York. (Boys Don’t Cry)

The bar, a new city hotspot, is located in one of the last neighborhoods in Manhattan yet to be gentrified into a corporate city of brands and suburban lifestyles: the Lower East Side. Across two blocks near the border of Chinatown, tourists and locals see a New York from a time gone by: Regina’s Grocery sells old-school Italian delicacies, the kids love to get their ink at Evil & Love Tattoo, and dudes get their hair cut at the international hip-hop barbershop Frank’s Chop Shop.

“We opened Boys Don’t Cry in March of 2018 with the intention of providing the Lower East Side with a neighborhood space to eat, drink and smile,” said Caraballo about his bar that nightly plays the sports games of the day.

The virtual happy hour takes place Saturday at 6 p.m. on the video app Zoom. (Boys Don’t Cry)

They call it an “elevated dive,” like a dive bar for young cool kids who aren’t trendy but create the trends: creatives, models, athletes, big city folks doing big global things.

Said Caraballo: “Our original plan was to celebrate our two year anniversary with all of our beloved regulars and fellow lower east siders in real life, but sometimes plans, and circumstances, change. We figured during this temporary hiatus from mezcal shots, late-night games of pool and modern symposium, we can still get drunk together and pretend we’re on Orchard Street.”

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New York remained the worst-hit U.S. city on Friday as the virus continued to pummel New York City, keeping it shut down for weeks.

Caraballo, encouraging patrons to join the digital party, added: “Let’s get drunk, responsibly!”

Popular NYC dive bar doing virtual happy hour amid coronavirus quarantine

By

New York City, which has become an epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, is now a ghost town, locked down and empty. Finally, the city that never sleeps is no longer awake.

The Big Apple has approximately 27,000 bars and restaurants. But that won’t stop the cool kids of Downtown Manhattan, who never go farther north than 14th Street, from having a party.

The party now is just online.

The sports bar Boys Don’t Cry in Downtown Manhattan. (Boys Don’t Cry)

Millennial entrepreneurs Maximilian Caraballo, 32, and Jake Daddow, 31, own the sports bar Boys Don’t Cry, and put together a virtual happy hour for their quarantined neighborhood in New York.

Millennial entrepreneurs Maximilian Caraballo, 32, and Jake Daddow, 31, own the sports bar Boys Don’t Cry. (Sarah Jake for One37pm)

CLICK FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

It takes place Saturday at 6 p.m. on the video app Zoom “as a way to celebrate our two years and connect with our friends, loved ones and all those who have supported us along the journey,” Caraballo said.

He added: “Today, we’re celebrating our second anniversary at Boys Don’t Cry. The last two years have been such an amazing rollercoaster ride and none of it would not have been possible without the support of our ever-growing community of patrons.”

The sports bar Boys Don’t Cry is doing a virtual happy hour for the quarantined neighborhood in New York. (Boys Don’t Cry)

The bar, a new city hotspot, is located in one of the last neighborhoods in Manhattan yet to be gentrified into a corporate city of brands and suburban lifestyles: the Lower East Side. Across two blocks near the border of Chinatown, tourists and locals see a New York from a time gone by: Regina’s Grocery sells old-school Italian delicacies, the kids love to get their ink at Evil & Love Tattoo, and dudes get their hair cut at the international hip-hop barbershop Frank’s Chop Shop.

“We opened Boys Don’t Cry in March of 2018 with the intention of providing the Lower East Side with a neighborhood space to eat, drink and smile,” said Caraballo about his bar that nightly plays the sports games of the day.

The virtual happy hour takes place Saturday at 6 p.m. on the video app Zoom. (Boys Don’t Cry)

They call it an “elevated dive,” like a dive bar for young cool kids who aren’t trendy but create the trends: creatives, models, athletes, big city folks doing big global things.

Said Caraballo: “Our original plan was to celebrate our two year anniversary with all of our beloved regulars and fellow lower east siders in real life, but sometimes plans, and circumstances, change. We figured during this temporary hiatus from mezcal shots, late-night games of pool and modern symposium, we can still get drunk together and pretend we’re on Orchard Street.”

CLICK HERE FOR FULL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE

New York remained the worst-hit U.S. city on Friday as the virus continued to pummel New York City, keeping it shut down for weeks.

Caraballo, encouraging patrons to join the digital party, added: “Let’s get drunk, responsibly!”

Parents help son celebrate 21st birthday at ‘Club Quarantine’ in family’s garage, viral video shows

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When you can’t go to the club, the club will come to you. That is, if you’re turning 21 and your parents don’t want you to miss out on the experience.

A video showing a family creating a “Club Quarantine” in their garage has gone viral on social media after originally being posted to TikTok.

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According to the 50-second clip, the young man in the video turned 21 the day before. His parents reportedly “felt bad that he couldn’t go to a bar/club,” so his mom transformed the garage into a 21-and-up establishment – at least according to a sign posted outside the “bar’s” door, which reads “Must be 21 or older to enter.”

These parents are going viral for hatching a plan to celebrate their son’s 21st birthday during quarantine.
(iStock)

In the video, which has been viewed more than 370,000 times on Twitter alone as of Wednesday afternoon, the man’s dad is seen acting as a bouncer. Dad is heard asking for identification, which he then dutifully checks using his flashlight.

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The newly-turned-21-year-old then travels inside, where his mom-turned-bartender cheerfully greets him and offers a free shot as part of the club’s birthday policy.

“We let the bouncer, the waitress and I do one with you,” the bartender mom says as she pours four shots.

Those on Twitter were tickled – and emotional – over the sweet video.

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Others even shared their own family’s silly dinnertime and drinking antics during the quarantine.

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Just add these ideas to the list of creative ways people are staving off boredom during self-isolation.

Concerned about coronavirus, ‘reckless behavior,’ Ireland closes all pubs before St. Patrick’s Day

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Where did St. Patrick’s Day come from?

The rector of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Monsignor Robert T. Ritchie, teaches us how Saint Patrick’s Day came to the United States and reveals how the day has evolved over the years

We’ll raise a glass to what could have been.

Leaders in the Republic of Ireland closed all pubs and bars to stop the spread of the coronavirus and help curb rowdy behavior on St. Patrick’s Day, one of the busiest days of the year for Emerald Isle taverns.

A man dressed as St Patrick walks past a closed bar in Dublin city center, Monday, March, 16, 2020.
(AP Photo/Peter Morrison)

Irish Premier Leo Varadkar announced the news via Twitter on Sunday afternoon. The message from the Government Press Office cited the global pandemic and recent reports of “reckless behavior” at an unnamed pub in making the decision.

WHICH FOODS SHOULD YOU STOCK UP ON IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY?

“In discussion with the Licensed Vinters Association (LVA) and Vinters Federation of Ireland (VFI,) the government is now calling on all public houses and bars to close from this evening until at least March 29,” the statement said.

All pubs in the Republic of Ireland were called upon to close late Sunday to try and tackle the spread of Covid-19.
(AP Photo/Peter Morrison)

“The Government, having consulted with the Chief Medical Officer, believes that this is an essential public health measure given the reports of reckless behavior by some members of the public in certain pubs last night,” it continued. “While the government acknowledges that the majority of the public and pub owners are behaving responsibly, it believes it is important that all pubs are closed in advance of St. Patrick’s Day.”

A sign on the door of The Temple Bar announced it would be closed with immediate effect amid coronavirus fears.
(Aine McMahon/PA via AP)

The LVA and WFI had warned of the “real difficulty” in keeping people apart, per recommended health regulations, in Ireland famous watering holes. Officials also urged people not even to hold house parties in a bid to slow the spread of the viral disease.

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Tourists wearing face masks walk past a closed pub in Dublin city center, Monday, March, 16.
(AP Photo/Peter Morrison)

The closures took effect on Sunday night at midnight, Sky News reports.

According to Reuters, videos of spirited groups singing in bustling Dublin had recently sparked outrage on social media. One bachelor party in particular was seen moving down the street in “medical overalls and face masks,” an offense that Ireland’s Health Minister Simon Harris decried as an “insult” to medical workers.

Though the drastic decision was made for the good of the nation, Twitter users largely agreed that they were shocked by the news, so soon before St. Patrick’s Day.

One commenter joked that the news would serve as great motivation to improve coronavirus testing measures.

Dublin had previously canceled its famous St. Patrick’s Day parade due to the virus.

As of Tuesday morning, the United Kingdom has reported 1,553 cases of the coronavirus, among at least 183,425 cases reported worldwide.

As of March 12, Ireland effectively launched a partial lockdown from 6 p.m. local time for two weeks in the fight against COVID-19.

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Last week, Varadkar announced that all schools, universities and other public facilities will be closed and teaching will be done online or remotely.

He said restaurants and other businesses can stay open and public transport will continue to operate but urged citizens to “seek to reduce social interactions as much as possible.”

A Cabinet committee on COVID-19 was scheduled to meet on Monday to discuss the best future plans for restaurants and cafes, The Irish Times reports.

Fox News’ Chris Irvine and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

The states and cities banning in-person dining at restaurants and bars during the coronavirus outbreak

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As the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the United States, state and city officials have started taking steps to limit the chances of person-to-person contact by shutting down bars and restaurants.

LIST: THE RESTAURANT CHAINS MODIFYING SERVICE AMID THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK

On March 16, President Trump released coronavirus guidelines for America, urging Americans to avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants or food courts.

As of Monday, the following states and cities had already instructed establishments to temporarily close, at least to dine-in customers:

California: Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom had yet to order bars and restaurants to close as of Monday, but said on March 15 that “bars, night clubs, wineries and breweries should close in CA,” and that restaurants should “focus on takeout for those isolating.”

  • Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti ordered all bars and restaurants throughout the city to close through March 31. Takeout and delivery would still be available.

Connecticut: On March 16, Gov. Ned Lamont announced the closure of all bars and restaurants in the state effective March 16 at 8 p.m.  Takeout and delivery will still be allowed.

Denver, Colo.: Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock announced at a press conference on March 16 that all bars and restaurants would be closed to on-site seating between March 17 at 8 a.m. and May 11. Takeout and delivery would still be permitted.

Illinois: On March 15, Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered bars and restaurants to close beginning at 9 p.m. on March 16, through at least March 30. Takeout and delivery will still be allowed.

Indiana: Gov. Eric J. Holcomb announced on March 16 that all bars and restaurants would be required to close to “in-person” patrons through the end of March. Takeout and delivery services would still be allowed.

More than a dozen states had enacted bans on in-person dining at restaurants and bars as of Monday afternoon.
(iStock)

Kentucky: On March 16, Gov. Andy Beshear ordered dine-in service at bars and restaurants to end as of March 16 at 5 p.m. Takeout and delivery options are still allowed.

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Louisiana: On March 16, Gov. John Bel Edwards ordered the closure of bars and restaurants to dine-in patrons as of midnight that night, through at least April 13. Delivery and take out will still be available.

Maryland: On March 16, Gov. Larry Hogan issued an order to close all bars and restaurants as of 5 p.m. on March 16. Takeout and delivery services would still be allowed.

Massachusetts: On March 15, Gov. Charlie Baker announced that on-site dining at restaurants and bars would be banned between March 17 and April 6. Delivery and takeout would still be available.

Michigan: On March 16, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the temporary closure of all bars and restaurants beginning on March 16 at 3 p.m. Takeout and delivery will still be available.

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New Jersey: On March 16, Gov. Phil Murphy ordered bars and restaurants to stop dine-in service as of 8 p.m. that evening “until further notice.” Takeout and delivery would still be available.

New York: On March 16, Gov. Andrew Cuomo confirmed the closure of bars and restaurants throughout the state as of 8 p.m. that evening. Takeout and delivery would still be allowed. (NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio had previously said all restaurants and bars in NYC would close starting on Tuesday.)

Ohio: Gov. Mike de Wine announced on March 15 that bars and restaurants would close to diners beginning at 9 p.m. that evening. Takeout and delivery would still be allowed.

Pennsylvania: On. March 16, Gov. Tom Wolf said all bars and restaurants in Pennsylvania would be limited to takeout and delivery beginning at midnight that day.

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Puerto Rico: On March 15, Puerto Rico confirmed that restaurants and bars would be closed to dine-in patrons through March 30. Takeout and delivery would still be available.

Washington: On March 15, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced that bars and restaurants would no longer be able to serve in-person patrons, although takeout and delivery would still be available. The order goes into effect March 17.

Miniature Shetland pony born on St. Patrick’s is a regular at English pub, prefers Guinness

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Beer foam: Why it’s so important

Kyle Wilson, the Head of Brewing at Brooklyn Brewery, explains the science behind the bubbles on top of beer and how they impact your favorite drink’s aroma and flavor

A miniature Shetland pony born on St. Patrick’s Day has become a regular at his local pub and pops in daily for a Guinness.

Stout-loving equine Patrick, aptly named as he was born on March 17, often turns heads during visits to the bar with his owner, Kirk Petrakis. Petrakis, 42, said his four-hoofed friend stands calmly at the bar at the Drum Inn, where he enjoys his daily tipple of Guinness.

He’s even served a carrot as his pub snack of choice.

‘GENIUS’ COUPLE OCCUPIES CLINGY CAT WITH SIMPLE TRICK

Patrick has become such a familiar face in the village pub, located in Cockington, in Devon, England, that a special second birthday party will be held this month.

“The daily pub visit is all part of his routine and is his highlight. He likes a sip of Guinness and he has a carrot — that’s it,” says Petrakis. “It’s a special treat for him. We decided on Guinness as he was born on St Patrick’s Day. It also has some nutritional value for him. He just has a few sips — nothing too heavy.”

“The daily pub visit is all part of his routine and is his highlight. He likes a sip of Guinness and he has a carrot — that’s it,” says Kirk Petrakis of his pet pony Patrick.

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Petrakis has looked after Patrick for about three months, and said as soon as he got him, he took him around Cockington and went into the local tea room with him.

“Now we take him daily into the Drum Inn. It is all part of his training to get him to desensitize to all the sounds in a busy pub atmosphere, but he absolutely loves it there. He is doing extremely well. People can not believe their eyes when they see a horse in the pub. He gets a big reaction there and on social media,” Petrakis said.

“The first trip went down really well. I did say to the manager of the Drum Inn beforehand what we were planning so he was fully aware. He was fine with it. It is a dog pub, so he was happy for us to bring Patrick in… People were coming over taking photos and lots of children enjoyed meeting him.

“He loves being in the pub and he really loves all the attention.”

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Patrick is owned by Petrakis and his wife Hannah, 36, who run K&H Cockington Carriages together. The couple also has three children who “adore” their pony pal.

“He normally goes to the pub in the day but was there during an evening for my wife’s birthday, when things sometimes get rowdy. But he remained as good as gold and stood very chilled and relaxed. The younger lads were saying things like, ‘Oh my God, I can not believe there is a pony in the pub.'”

Petrakis started taking Patrick to The Drum Inn in Devonas soon as he got him three months ago.
(SWNS)

Petrakis said that some of the other patrons sometimes get concerned that the beer Patrick drinks might be too strong, but Patrick never gets wild.

“Patrick is always on his best behavior though and is very docile. He has never had to be kicked out and is a lot better behaved than some of the dogs. He is quiet and just brings a calming presence,” Petrakis said.

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Petrakis added that he’ll likely continue to bring Patrick to the pub for another year before he’s put to work pulling a miniature carriage for children. He might also be used for therapy and visiting schools and hospitals.

Before then, though, he’s going to enjoy a big birthday bash at the pub.

Patrick, who was born on St. Patrick’s Day in 2018, will celebrate his second birthday at the pub.

“He is going to be two this St Patrick’s Day, and we are having a birthday party for him in the pub. There will certainly be plenty of Guinness flying around that day.”

Courtside server spills tray of drinks at Portland game months after LeBron knocked her over

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Being a server can often be a thankless job, but for one Portland Trail Blazers waitress, it can also get pretty messy.

As Stevens carried a tray of drinks in her left hand, one of the referees backed into her without seeing her. Her tray of drinks was sent crashing to the floor. Within moments, the ball boys came to the rescue and began cleaning up the mess.

“That is literally Margaritaville over there…,” one of the sports announcers said.

The accident came after Stevens was previously knocked over by LeBron James earlier in the season.

“Cleanup on Aisle 3,” tweeted the official Twitter account for Shaquille O’Neal’s TNT show “Shaqtin’ a Fool.”

“That’s a tech for touching the ref,” a Twitter user joked.

Others quickly recognized that Stevens was the same waitress who was knocked to the ground by James during a Trail Blazers-Lakers game back in December. The NBA star immediately helped her up and gave her a hug following the unintended contact.

While some Twitter users suggested Stevens could potentially lose her job for the spill, most people, however, came to her defense.

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“LISTEN major shout out to the court side server at the blazers game who just had the official knock her ENTIRE tray over – the server in me wanted to jump through my screen and help!! i love you so much whoever you are,” one person wrote.

Another Twitter user wrote: “Waitress in Portland who just had spill at #Pelicans #Blazers game is embarrassed no doubt, but I bet Top 10 waitress/[server] anyone would ever have if lucky enough to have her as a waitress/server @NBA.”

Courtside server spills tray of drinks at Portland game months after LeBron knocked her over

By

Being a server can often be a thankless job, but for one Portland Trail Blazers waitress, it can also get pretty messy.

As Stevens carried a tray of drinks in her left hand, one of the referees backed into her without seeing her. Her tray of drinks was sent crashing to the floor. Within moments, the ball boys came to the rescue and began cleaning up the mess.

“That is literally Margaritaville over there…,” one of the sports announcers said.

The accident came after Stevens was previously knocked over by LeBron James earlier in the season.

“Cleanup on Aisle 3,” tweeted the official Twitter account for Shaquille O’Neal’s TNT show “Shaqtin’ a Fool.”

“That’s a tech for touching the ref,” a Twitter user joked.

Others quickly recognized that Stevens was the same waitress who was knocked to the ground by James during a Trail Blazers-Lakers game back in December. The NBA star immediately helped her up and gave her a hug following the unintended contact.

While some Twitter users suggested Stevens could potentially lose her job for the spill, most people, however, came to her defense.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP

“LISTEN major shout out to the court side server at the blazers game who just had the official knock her ENTIRE tray over – the server in me wanted to jump through my screen and help!! i love you so much whoever you are,” one person wrote.

Another Twitter user wrote: “Waitress in Portland who just had spill at #Pelicans #Blazers game is embarrassed no doubt, but I bet Top 10 waitress/[server] anyone would ever have if lucky enough to have her as a waitress/server @NBA.”

Bartender posts TikTok video of $9.28 paycheck to highlight importance of tipping

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Aaliyah Cortez, who is a mother, worked more than 70 hours but only took home less than $10 after federal taxes, social security and Medicare. (Photo: f.aa.ded/TikTok)

A Texas bartender posted a TikTok video of her $9.28 paycheck in an attempt to raise awareness of the service industry’s low wages and the importance of tipping.

“So this is why you should always tip your bartenders and servers, anyone who waits on you or provides a service for you,” Aaliyah Cortez said in the now-viral video she posted last month.

BARTENDER SURPRISED WITH TIP NEARLY 10 TIMES THAN THE BILL

The paycheck showed that Cortez, who is also a mother, worked more than 70 hours but only took home less than $10 after federal taxes, Social Security and Medicare.

“Of course, I got tips, but this is what I got for my hourly,” Cortez said, pointing out that she’s paid only $2.13 an hour. “This is why you tip.”

YOUTUBER TIPS DOMINO’S DRIVER $2,020 ON $22 ORDER

(Photo: f.aa.ded/TikTok)

In many states, service industry employers are allowed to pay employees a minimum wage of $2.13 an hour under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, as long as their cash tips add up to the federal hourly minimum wage of $7.25, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Texas, along with other states such as North Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, falls in this category.

“There are laws set up that allow tipped employees to be paid under the federal minimum wage, which makes us rely on the customer to pay our wages,” Cortez told BuzzFeed.

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“It’s not right that we have to do this, but I wanted to shed some light on the issue and inform the public about the importance of tipping,” she added.

Cortez, who works at a sports bar, said she likes her job and is fortunate for the tips she makes, but wished all service industry workers were paid “adequately and consistently.”

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“As you can see by my check, I cannot afford to live off of $2.13 an hour, so I solely rely on the generosity of my customers,” she added.

After her TikTok video went viral, Cortez returned to the popular social video app to thank everyone for showing support and helping to spread her message.

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“I owe it to you guys. Thank you,” she said.