SOUTHWICK – Earlier this week, Southwick VFW Post 872 announced that they will be closing their bar. The last day of operations for the bar will be on February 3, which is Super Bowl Sunday.
According to Troy Henke of VFW Post 872, trying to maintain the bar was becoming too much of a financial burden.
“The cost of doing business now for a non-profit (organization) is sky high,” said Henke. “We just couldn’t justify the cost versus the revenue.”
The last day of operation for the bar will be on February 3. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
Since its start in 1963, the bar has had a long history and many memories that regular patrons of the bar will miss.
“The reaction has been one of sadness and disappointment from members of the community who do enjoy going down there,” said Henke. “People felt safe down there and liked to be around veterans, it was definitely a hit.”
Moving forward, VFW Post 872 is focusing on continuing to maintain the entire building and hopefully make some renovations. One of the few VFW organizations in the local area that has both an indoor and an outdoor facility, Post 872 will plan on having more events in the spring and summer.
“We really want to put a new focus into that,” said Henke.
Besides looking to have more events, Post 872 will also focus on continuing their mission to help various aspects of the community. In the past, Post 872 has assisted with the Veteran’s Day parade, helped orchestrate the Veterans Memorial Foyer at the Southwick Regional School, and helping the elderly and Veterans in the community.
While the bar is still open for the time being, Henke wants to remind the community that there’s still time to enjoy the historical bar and create some memories. The bar opens at 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and at Noon on Saturday and Sunday.
“We’re still going to be available right now,” said Henke. “Come on down, make a toast.”
