John at the Bar is a Friend of Mine

Every pub has a bartender.
But not every pub has a John.

He’s still finding his path—like a lot of us.
But behind the bar at Bolands, he’s already home.

There’s a smile that shows up when a regular walks in.
A spark in his eyes that says, I see you. Welcome back.
That moment alone is enough to reset your day.

John’s not flashy. Not loud.
He’s not trying to be anything but himself.
But he’s present. Tuned in. Ready with your pint—and something more if you need it.

He’s got the presence of a superhero—no cape, no theatrics.
Just calm on the surface, paddling hard underneath.
Just the way I told him to be.

He matters.
To this place.
To this community.
To me.

So do Michaela, Liv, Liz, Connor, Casey, Lindsay, and Shuggy.
Together, they make Bolands what it is:
Part pub. Part ritual. Part refuge.

They don’t just serve drinks.
They serve steadiness.
They serve space.
They serve us.

So here’s to John.
A friend of mine.
A friend to many.
And the kind of person who makes a place feel like home.

Who’s your John?
Tell us their name and share a story. Well pull up a stool.

Let’s raise a glass to the ones who make the pint worth ordering—
and the moment worth remembering.