The Barstool Fund - Cork & Kerry Irish Pub
Up next: Cork & Kerry Irish Pub (Chicago, IL)
Celebrating over 20 years in business, they are Chicago’s favorite Irish Pub housed in the Beverly neighborhood. Cork & Kerry is proud to offer something for everyone.
Reader Email
My name is Jessica McCarihan and I have lived in the Beverly Community on the southside of Chicago for all of my 42 years (minus my four years in Oxford, Ohio attending Miami of Ohio with Erika's friend Liz Moore). I am reaching out today on behalf of my friends Billy Guide and Mike Fitzpatrick of Cork & Kerry irish pub here on the south side. They do not know that I am submitting on their behalf and they would never ask, because they are just awesome, humble guys. Carl from Barstool Chicago did a piece on "Cork" back in July 2020. https://www.barstoolsports.com/blog/2707461/even-the-best-fall-down-sometimes-cork-and-kerry-gets-busted-for-covid-violations
You may already know this about our AMAZING community, but Beverly is a special place. People here care…. a lot! We support each other. We bring casseroles whenever someone is sick, we stand in wake lines for hours in the rain when someone dies, and we show up.
As you also obviously know, the small, independent tavern owners have suffered terribly. Cork and Kerry's revenues are down over 80%, yet they haven't released a single employee. In fact, they even gave one manager a raise.
Cork & Kerry has always been not just an integral part of the community, but a vital part. When you think of Beverly, the first establishment you think of is “Cork”. Whether it’s the South Side Irish Parade Day or any other special life occasion, Cork is there for us. I have too many memories to mention, but a few that stand out include my best friend’s bridal shower, my 20-year grade school reunion, my dad’s surprise 70th birthday party and the amazing benefit for a friend, a 40-year-old father of two that passed away from cancer. Cork & Kerry has been there for us through it all. And now we want to be there for them. Cork usually hosts at least two fundraisers a month supporting such causes as pediatric cancer research, special needs awareness, community assistance to families, and domestic violence (I run a domestic violence agency and we have held events here) just to name a few.
Not only does Cork & Kerry support the community through events, but Cork & Kerry is the first to sponsor a charity golf outing, donate a gift card to a nonprofit fundraiser, or donate time and talent to those in need.
The state and federal money received to pay their staff and bills has long run out, and they would like to continue to meet payroll and keep their employees, who have their own rent, tuition, insurance, etc to pay, employed. They also planned to make a few necessary improvements to the bar before COVID hit and I'm sure they would love to get those done before they are able to welcome everyone back.
I'm sitting on one of their barstools right now as I apply. Please consider Cork & Kerry for a Barstool Fund Grant so we can hold onto the hope that we will celebrate all of life’s occasions with them again soon.
