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Service with a smile: Girard bar honors vets
girard bar with art
By Danny restivo
GIRARD
Heather McCauley wants patrons to enjoy her new bar, but she also wants them to grasp its theme.
“I want them to know the sacrifices people have made for our country,” she said.
The Howland native opened Chesty’s Blue Collar Tavern, 20 S. State St., in July. She said her bar is for everyone to enjoy, but it pays homage to the Americans who have made this country prosperous. Whether it was through military service or back-breaking labor, their dedication to duty is honored in her bar.
“These are the people that have made America great,” she said.
The name of the bar was inspired by one of those Americans. Marine Lt. Gen. Lewis “Chesty” Puller was one of the most decorated troops in U.S. history. His military career spanned 37 years and included five Navy Crosses. His nickname is derived from the number of military medals that adorned his chest, and the inspiration behind the bar’s name, said McCauley.
“I was amazed at how many people didn’t know who he was,” she said.
A picture of Puller and other patriotic memorabilia decorate the inside of the bar. Images from local artists that depict U.S. service members in Vietnam and World War II hang throughout the establishment. She said the decor reflects the hard work and sacrifice the Mahoning Valley prides itself upon.
Girard native Andrew Aurilio has frequented the bar since it opened. The U.S. Army veteran worked 37 years at General Motors before he retired, and he thinks Chesty’s has an identity that is unique to the Mahoning Valley.
“It has a blue-collar mentality that speaks to the area,” he said.
McCauley is no stranger to that mentality, either. Along with owning the bar, she is in her 16th year at RTI International Metals in Niles. She said it was always a dream to open up a small bar where blue-collar people could enjoy themselves. McCauley even took money from her retirement plan so she could make it a reality. She credits friends and family for coming together to support her and hopes to support the community in return. McCauley said she wants to have fundraisers and other events to support local charities. Her willingness to volunteer reflects the people that Chesty’s Blue Collar Tavern honors.
“That’s what the whole thing is about,” she said.